We have just celebrated one of the greatest observances of our Christian faith.  For believers in Jesus Christ, Easter celebrates the specific events of Christ’s crucifixion for sin and His resurrection from the dead three days following. It is a time of serious but wonderful reflection on the truths that the Bible speaks of regarding the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Jesus died on the cross as the “substitute” for sinners so that all who believe in Him will be saved. The word “substitute” means “to take the place of another.”

The Cross

“The cross we preach to others should first crucify us. The word we preach should first burn itself deeply into our life so that our life is the living message. We must let the cross live out of us daily. Then what we preach will be more than a message, but a kind of life which we daily exhibit.” Watchman Nee, The Messenger of the Cross.

It was a beautifully set table, all decorated for Fall.

Last evening was one of those evenings that will live in my memory for many years.

It wasn’t a gala, or a gathering of many for a dinner party. It was just Tony and me, sitting with Bob and Lisa (my daughter and her husband) at a beautifully set table, all decorated for Fall. Of course, I must add that the food was out of this world. Some might call it comfort food. Chicken pot pie, made by her hands, and it was yummy. But the best part was just being together, talking, remembering past times and talking about current times. It was warm, beautiful, familiar and yet new. We have had wonderful times like this with Tiffany and Scott (my son and his wife) as well, with the same sense and peace in just being together. There is something God builds in those unhurried times together around a dinner table.  It seems that He builds the depth of relationship as nothing else can. It is a place of hearing one another’s hearts.

It is the RIGHT TIME for the Holy Spirit to come into our lives, our routines, our orderliness and begin to make all things new."Behold, I make all things new."  Rev 21:5 NKJV

We associate this verse with the first step we have taken toward Jesus, that life-changing step of receiving Him as our Redeemer, our Savior. 

But there is an ongoing reality that continues to take place with every pursuant step that we take toward the Lord and His Kingdom.