Tag Archive for: Love

Easter – Jesus and Others

We don’t always see trials, problems or people as blessings. Instead, they’re often viewed as obstacles, inconveniences and irritations to our plans.

What if Jesus had seen us in the same way? After all, He had to leave Heaven to take on our dirt, guilt and shame.

He could have seen us as obstacles, nuisances and frustrations that had to be dealt with.

Yet, Jesus saw each of us with compassion and love – chosen ones who His Father had created, and He was willing to die for.

Easter is a time to remember Jesus’ love for us. It’s also a reminder that life isn’t about you and me, but all about Him.

Let His love be a reminder of how we should treat and view others.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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New Life at Easter

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”  –  Martin Luther

Growing up in the country, one of the things that I often enjoyed was the new life that was born in the spring.  You saw it as trees, plants and newborn animals all came to life.

Another, more important, reminder of new life starting in spring is Easter.  It is the day that we, who are Christians, take time to reflect on Jesus resurrection from the grave.

Perhaps, though, you are wondering about the claims that Jesus rose from the grave.  That is fine.  Questions are always a great way to learn something.

First off, we have various authors’ written claims of Jesus’ resurrection in the Bible.  We also have accounts by secular historians of His day – such as Josephus.  In addition, we have physical evidence that has been unearthed by archeologists.  All of these sources tell us that Jesus and His followers were actual people that lived at the time that the Bible tells us.

We also see how Jesus died.  He was flogged 39 times, forced to carry a wooden cross, nailed to that cross and hung there for several hours, speared by a Roman guard and placed in a tomb.  After facing all of this, how could He have remained alive and been strong enough to roll a stone that some estimate could have weighed up to 4,000 pounds and defeated Roman guards that were standing guard at the stone?

Why did the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders have the Roman authorities post a guard?  After all, Jesus was dead – and His disciples had all deserted Him.  How was He going to leave a tomb?

Yet, those same men who had fled would eventually all believe in His resurrection and be willing to be persecuted for their belief in Him.  If they did not truly believe in Jesus death and resurrection, why would they have died for a lie?

The question that each of us is forced to answer is what are we going to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus?  Will we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, or are we going to deny Him?  Jesus allows us to make our own decision – wanting us to come to Him on our own.

In closing, let me share with you something else that I have seen in nature.

When land has been burned, new growth always comes and grows in the place that was destroyed by fire.  In the same way, sin has come to destroy us.  But, if we are willing, Jesus wants to come and reside within us – creating a new life out of our ashes.

Have a great day!

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”  –  John 14:6 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Not Just Another Farm

At first glance, it appears to be just another Amish-owned property. In many ways, it looks like one of the thousands of old farms in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio.

Perhaps, there’s more to this place than what readily appears. As someone who loves history, this farm is something of interest.

Since I was a young boy, I’ve heard the story that this place was once a station on the Underground Railroad. As men, women and children of African heritage escaped the cruel bondage of slavery in the south, homes like this became stopovers for them as they made their ways to safe places in the northern states and Canada.

While this particular location hasn’t been confirmed, it’s very probable since the escape network had other stops in the region. Along the route, these places provided food, lodging and protection to these refugees seeking a better life. The homes along the way were a means for families to show compassion and the love of Christ to those in need.

While a memory of America’s past, this farm is a reminder that we all need help. It’s also helps to underscore the simple truth that God often uses ordinary people to carry out many of His extraordinary blessings and purposes.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Heart-Shaped Pancakes

On Valentine’s Day, many people exchange cards and give heart-shaped candies, chocolates and other gifts that offer sweet expressions of love.  A little angel, a Cherub named Cupid, is said to be the instigator of much of this emotional bliss – as his arrows are said to make people fall in love with one another.

While it wasn’t candy or chocolates, my wife made heart-shaped pancakes for our Valentine’s Day breakfast.  Covered with butter and maple syrup, they made for a very delicious treat.  That meal is just one of the countless examples of love that my wife shows towards me and our son – on a daily basis.

However, there’s so much more to Valentine’s Day than sweet foods and little angelic beings.

There are many legends surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day.  Several of them include different Priests, named “Valentine”.  In many of these stories, these men died as they promoted the ideals of love and marriage.

Think about it!  They gave their lives as they attempted to help others find love.  Their example mirrored another man who gave the greatest gift – His life, for the love of others.  Jesus came to earth to give His life as a living sacrifice.  He chose to die for all of humanity.  It’s an ultimate expression of that love to allow us to have the choice whether or not to accept His great gift.

We live in a world where love is often shown with cards, sweet treats and hundreds of other gifts and trinkets.  In addition, Hollywood wants us to think that love is centered around candle-lit dinners and romance.

Yet, true love is much more.  It is sacrificial giving and forgiveness.  Love is honoring, protecting and looking out for another.  In the end, real love isn’t something that’s quickly discarded and forgotten.  Rather, it’s sacrificial giving and serving – putting others ahead of ourselves.

On this Valentine’s Day, consider the cost of real love.  Know that you’re worth it – an empty grave and a risen Savior proves that.  Now, it’s up to us to show His love to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails…”  –  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Reminder of Hope

Hidden on a township road is this scene that I’ve enjoyed driving past for years. The trees, stream and foliage here offer unique views each season – such as with the snow and icicles on a cold winter morning.

As the temperature was hovering near freezing, water was still flowing in the stream.

Many often associate winter with death or sleep. As many of the trees would attest, the idea of rest may be fairly accurate.

Yet, besides the water, there are a couple of pine trees in the photo that still show their color. Since pines never lose their colors due to seasonal changes, they are often viewed as a symbol of life.

For this reason, evergreens often are seen as a representation for the life of Christ, such as at Christmastime. It is through Him, that all things are made new.

In each season, this location allows us to witness different views of the Creator’s goodness. But perhaps, during the winter months, we’re reminded that He is the reason why we have hope.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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