A Triumphant End to a New Beginning...

Bible readings...
“Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” I Peter 1:3-4a
“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26) and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
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Hello everyone…and a big welcome today, to Sunday Inspiration…through the Risen Hope Ministries! As we begin our time together, I would like to wish everyone a very blessed Resurrection Day! Praise Jesus…that He became victorious over evil and the grave, through His death on the cross…and that we have a hope to hold to…a hope that will eventually walk us out of this life and into a life eternal with Him…where there will no longer be any heartache, suffering or pain!
 
During the Easter season, we tend to hear about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; but I have found within my own life that this isn’t where the story ends; for Jesus’ resurrection now points us to not only newness of life; but also to another new resurrection that will take place, for those who have placed their faith, trust and belief in Christ.
 
I remember a time in my life, when I could honestly say that I didn’t have the reassurance of this hope. It seemed as though my head and heart were so clouded over with multiple circumstances; that the peace I was longing for at the time, just wasn’t there…but do you know what…as I slowly walked out of my deep dark moments of despair; I found an anchor to hold to…one that would not only keep me safe and secure in this life; but in a new life to come…and because of this, I can truly say within my heart… “It is well with my soul!”
 
You know…there’s a peace that truly comes into the heart, of the one that is connected to Jesus…a peace that reassures the soul that these moments of affliction won’t last forever…a peace that truly lifts a person up to Jesus, with a hope that says... “One day these difficult moments will all come to an end.”
 
Through the past 30 years of my life, I have journeyed with Jesus and as I have walked through the rubble of a broken life; I no longer see this time of the year, as a time of memorial; but rather a triumphant end that led to a new beginning…and I have peace within my heart…knowing that one day, Jesus will call my name and I will rise to be with Him…what hope!
 
One of the very first writings that was shared, from my heart to God’s heart…just after walking out of many years of despair goes like this… “I remember the days when I would sing to You…my loneliness would soon go away…or just to tell you all my feelings, would lift my heavy load and make a better day. I knew You were always with me, when I would cry to You in pain; that’s when I felt Your arms around me…restoring me back again. And when I saw the little things that you would always do; it was a reminder that You loved me…and I loved You too! And now when we meet, for the very first time, Your face I will finally see. I will meet the One who was always my friend; even if I didn’t know it was meant to be. Your arms I once felt around me, are now very real; Your touch that drew me to Your side…I can once more feel. My friend, as you reach for my hand; I can’t describe what I’m feeling, as we begin to walk; sweet and gentle words keep surrounding me, as I listen to You talk. And now as You lead me to a beautiful place, I think back to the things You would always do; and now You want us to be friends forever, in this home You’ve built brand new. Happy tears begin to flow…realizing that the pain and loneliness we shared, would never more be; I then turned to my Friend, with a great big smile…and said, “I love you Jesus…thanks for choosing me!”
 
As we think back to the time of the cross…we don’t grieve; but instead, we anticipate the moment, when we will also join Jesus and rise to meet Him in the air. So you see…Resurrection Day isn’t where it ends…for it is only the beginning of better things to come!
Many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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