The Scriptures say, “The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.” — I Corinthians 10:26 (CEV)

I love Spring. As I do Fall, Winter and Summer. But, Spring is the season of renewal, the time of the year when all that is hidden (flowers, leaves, and animals) are revealed once again, while that which is dead (or dormant) is brought back to life.

It is also the season when we mark Our Lord’s resurrection, the Lamb of God, who was slain from the foundation of the earth for our sins.

Next week is what some Christians call “Holy Week” which is the time spanning from Palm Sunday when Jesus was received by the masses as a triumphant king, and on through the last supper, betrayal and crucifixion, and finally His resurrection on Easter morn.  It is a wonderful time for believers to reflect on what God has done for them, offering remembrance of His perfect sacrifice for our sins.

I’m not a huge traditionalist, but I plan to mark the week by attending a midday Good Friday service as well as a Resurrection Sunday service. No, I’m not hung up on the word Easter — I know that it was originally a pagan event — and if someone wants to color eggs, bite off chocolate bunny ears or eat those sugary little peeps, then go ahead and do so to the glory of God.

Which brings me to my main point: it is easy to dwell upon what is wrong or not to our liking in this life and to be upset over this or that injustice. I fully understand this type of thinking as these days are especially challenging to mostly everyone, particularly those who are trying to live Godly lives.

But, having the right perspective isn’t looking at what is going on in Washington, DC or at your job or even at your church. Rather, how is your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you seeking His will for your life? Are you reading His word, the Bible?

There are times I find myself overwhelmed by all of the “noise” of this world and find that the best thing to do is to steal away for a bit and spend some time with the Lord. One of my favorite ways for doing just that is to put everything to the side, head outside and take a walk. I prefer sunny days, but even on the dreariest of days I can find some benefit in leaving my cares behind.

And God is faithful to meet me where I’m at too: all I need to see is a splash of spring color, the vibrant wing of a subtropical bird or the lovely azure sky to remind me that He is in control of my life, our world and all that is within it.

Don’t let an opportunity to enjoy what God has created pass you by. These times of refreshing can change your perspective, reminding you that Jesus is alive.

Related Reading — He Is Alive!

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You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it — John 8:44 (NKJV)

This past Sunday our family visited a sister church in another city where we were blessed to be able to worship with God’s people and listen to a sermon titled, Unforgiveness.

A Heart That Had Been Broken

Coincidentally (is there really such a thing in God’s will?) we also heard the testimony of a teen believer who shared how God moved mightily in her heart while she was at a recent youth retreat.  She recounted her feelings of worthlessness, recalling those times when she had no desire to live, even ‘tempting fate’ by walking out in the street, wanting to be killed.

Apparently, this young woman — who was pretty and articulate  — believed some terrible things about herself, lies which were being fed to her from the pit of hell. But, God showed Himself faithful, lovingly revealing sin in her life while giving her the opportunity to repent.

A Young Life Saved and Restored

Restored and filled with His Spirit, her story received the applause of all who were in attendance as we rejoiced and thanked God for his deliverance perhaps knowing that her story could possibly parallel our own experience or what our children sometimes experience. God’s mercy was evident — a life had been spared and transformed!

John 8:44, taken in context of the chapter, shows how Jesus had to ‘get real’ with the Pharisees by telling them that their witness was false. Cutting to the chase, Jesus called them children of the devil — who is the father of lies.

Satan, Your Enemy

I believe it is important for each person who has surrendered his or her life to Jesus Christ to remember exactly who wants to destroy them. Satan, an angel who was once called Lucifer (Ezekiel 28:15-17) was filled with sin, cast out of heaven and has been at war with God and his saints ever since.  He not only is a liar but a thief who tries to steal, kill and destroy while Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly.

While the liar/thief has only your ill will in mind, God has a better idea:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope — Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB).

This last verse should be of immense comfort for those who are following Jesus Christ as well as those who want to escape their lives of sin: God has good things in mind for you, but you have to quit listening to the lies and walk in truth to apprehend all the goodness He has for you.

Satan knows that his time is short and he wants to rip people off. For the believer, we need to recall God’s promises and lay hold of every one of them so that we may walk in victory with the One who has overcome the world.

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I must admit that when it comes to the Darfur region of Sudan in Africa, I don’t regularly pay attention to what is going on there. Not that I don’t care, but my prayers and energy are usually directed elsewhere.

Happily, we serve a Mighty God who knows what the needs of the world are and uses His people to spread the word on what is happening north, south, east and west. I stand in awe in how God’s hand moves across the earth, ready to intercede as we pray for help.

The Challenges of Darfur

Darfur is one of the most challenging areas in the world, a region that has been going through a brutal conflict since 2003. Various ethnic and religious groups as well as political factions have been battling since then, creating what most are calling a humanitarian catastrophe. Indeed, hundreds of thousands of people have died with more than two million displaced.

Humanitarian, religious and political groups have spoken out on behalf of Darfur for several years now and have had a hand in quelling some of the oppression while lending critical support to the afflicted. Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief and gospel sharing organization, has gained government favor to offer relief and is one of the few organizations that is able to do so at this time.

An Appeal From Samaritan’s Purse

To that end, Mr. Graham sent out an appeal to Samaritan’s Purse supporters, a snippet of which I will share here:

By God’s grace, Samaritan’s Purse has been allowed to stay in Darfur, where we have been feeding over 200,000 victims of the fighting. Now, as help runs out, we are stretching our resources and trusting God to allow us to meet overwhelming needs in the Name of Jesus Christ. We need your prayers and your support.

There is more to the article which you can find here and if so inclined learn how you can a financial contribution. Whether you choose to give to Samaritan’s Purse or some other organization is up to you, but your prayers are coveted.

Photo Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse

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