BAM! I Nail His Hands to the Cross!

Good Friday is here! I don't understand. How did they sing praises to Jesus one day and crucify Him a few days later?

But isn't that what I do every day?

Waking up praising Him for the new day, I open His Book, speak to Him, listen to Him, sing praises to Him, smile, and enjoy the sweet peace of knowing Him.


Energized, I begin my day joyful. Without warning my Cheerios spill and I grumble that there are none left. Walking into my food pantry, I look at the bursting shelves and say There is nothing here to eat.

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

I walk into my packed clothes closet and think I don't have a thing to wear.

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

I think about my neighbor who is sick. Oh, I do need to bake her a casserole, but I have so much to do today.

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

The phone rings. Sigh. A telemarketer trying to make a living. No compassion here. Rudely, I interrupt and hang up the phone too hard.

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

My friend is sad and lonely. I must call her, but I never seem to find time. Although, there is time to watch that mindless TV show and allow actors I'd never invite into my house take a comfortable seat in the family room of my mind.


BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

Why is that person driving so slowly? Come on get a move on, I don't have time for this slowness.

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

Looking in the mirror, I notice the gray and the nose too big and the body too fat. I wish I was prettier.

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

The politician I don't favor is giving a speech. I have my opinions! I don't agree with his political viewpoint. I think bad thoughts about him, but have I ever prayed for him as Jesus tells me to?

BAM! I NAIL HIS HANDS TO THE CROSS.

His blood is on my hands.

BAM! JESUS NAILED MY SIN ON THE CROSS! HALLELUJAH! GLORY TO THE KING OF KINGS!!!

Thank You Jesus for shedding your blood for the forgiveness of my sins. Forgive me when I sin and endure so little when you endured it all.

Do we want splashes of serenity in our lives?  May we stop nailing his hands to the cross and start living in obedience to Him.

Easter Just Boggles My Mind

LENT. Jesus gave His life for me. How could giving up desserts for Him compare? I know my weakness. I'd stuff my tummy full on Ash Wednesday and yearn for Easter Monday when I could do it all over again. Giving up something in hopes that it will please God or help me understand the sacrifice Jesus made for me didn't work at my house. Jesus wants all of me--not just my appetite.

PALM SUNDAY. Branches wave! People praise! Hosanna to the Highest! Where am I in that crowd? Oh, I'd be leading the pack, certainly I would. How I love my Jesus.

THE LAST SUPPER. Solemn. Precious last moments with Jesus. I'd be right there resting my head on Jesus' heart, taking in every last word from His lips. Surely, Lord, I would never leave you.

THE GARDEN. So weak. I'm sure I'd be the first to sleep, and to disappoint, and to let Jesus sweat and pray.

THE CRUCIFIXION. Absolutely, I would not have followed the crowd. I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I'd defend Him. Proclaim Him as my Savior and my God! I would not have yelled, "Crucify Him!" I'm sure, aren't I?

THE RESURRECTION. He's not dead? He's alive! I'm beginning to understand. My mind is a turmoil of emotions and love and commitment and THANKSGIVING to God for His great Salvation Plan.

THE APPEARANCE. Elaine, do you love Me? Elaine, do you truly love Me? Elaine, do you love me more than you love your husband, or your children, or your comforts, or your home, or your wealth, or your position, or your life?

I love You, Lord. I truly love You. Forgive me for all the times I say "I love You" with my lips and disprove it with my thoughts and actions.

I give my whole heart to You knowing that serenity comes from a life crucified with Christ.

Oh Blessed Resurrection Day!

Elaine

My Sin Nailed My Love to a Cross

The up and down emotions of this Easter week, leave me sad. I can't bear the thought of the One I love most being nailed to a cross. I believe and I rejoice at Jesus' Resurrection, but my sin nailed my Love to a cross. It breaks my heart.

Had I lived in those days, where would I have been that week?

The day He rode a donkey into town, I suspect I would have led the parade of followers celebrating Jesus as the King. The Messiah. The Savior. The One Who came in the Name of the Lord.

And I ask myself, What would I have been doing the following Friday when the crowd shouted, "Crucify Him!"

People cheered Him one week and crucified Him the next. Many who loved Him, abandoned Him. They abandoned Him.

It's unthinkable, but would I have denied Him too? Absolutely not! But isn't that what I do each time I sin? I forget about HIM. I abandon Him. I deny Him. Forgive me, Lord.

I am so sad Jesus had to die, but I am filled with joy! His death led me to God. "For Christ died for sins...to bring you to God." (1Peter 3:18). Hallelujah to my Savior! My King! My Messiah. My Jesus!!!

Jesus is not a splash of serenity. Jesus is my Serenity. Is He yours?

Elaine