Never the Same Again!

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
​John 20:11-17
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​Hello everyone! Happy Resurrection Day…and a big welcome, to the Risen Hope Ministries! I am so glad that you stopped by today and my prayer for all of us; is that we will truly experience the powerful presence of Jesus…One who is no longer dead; but is very much alive!!
 
As we begin today, I would like to ask you a question. Have you ever experienced Jesus in your life…in a way that turned your life around completely and allowed you to see Him, in a way that you had never seen Him before? Well…this is exactly what happened to Mary Magdalene, as she approached the tomb. Can you even begin to imagine what Mary must have felt that day, as she entered the tomb…to see that Jesus was no longer there? I’m sure that all kinds of thoughts raced through her mind...even thoughts…as to where someone may have taken him. As panic set in and tears began to fall…Jesus approached Mary and even though she wasn’t able to touch Him…the evidence was standing before her, as she saw the scars on His hands and feet. This short time with Jesus must have become deeply embedded within her heart and I’m sure that she was never the same, after experiencing these precious moments with Him!
 
As I look back on my own life, I can tell you exactly…the specific moment, as to when Jesus had touched my life…in a way that changed me forever and that was at a time, when I was at my lowest, while going through counseling, for a past sexual abuse.
 
At that time, I remember sitting on my bed…crying, until there were no more tears to cry and as I looked off to the side…from where I was sitting; I saw my Bible sitting not too far from me on the bed. As I picked it up and opened it…this is the verse that stood before me… “The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking…” Psalm 34:18a One thing that I can truly say to you today; is that my tears definitely drew Jesus to my side and from that moment on…I was never the same again!
 
Can you truly say that Jesus is alive? Not just alive; but alive within you? Is there a relationship between Him and you that is like no other? When you’re hurting and you feel as if all hope is gone; do you know that He is close by…to love and care for you; at a time, when you just can’t care for yourself?
 
One thing we must realize today; is that religion will never save us…love us or even care for us; for only Jesus can do that and when we are willing to fall powerless…before a powerful God; that is when we will rise together with Him…and that is where a new life will begin!
 
No matter what you’re facing today; don’t muddle through your problems alone…suffering needlessly; but rather, let go of everything…and I KNOW that Jesus will come to you, as each tear falls from within…and life for you, will never be the same again!
Blessings so much on your Sunday!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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