ready for Easter

This is the first year in many that I haven't colored eggs with kids or bought chocolate or searched the basement for baskets. It's a stripped-down Easter. Without all the trappings, I am forced to either go through the motions of a go-to-church-then-have-dinner Easter, or search my heart for the de-bunnied truth of this event. 

Over the past couple of weeks I've been challenged to renew my complete reliance on God. I've been stretched to the pitiful end of myself, reminded by God that obedience of him is the only way to peace. Over and over, he's orchestrated circumstances and conversations to present himself to me as the loving, attentive, sovereign, hope-giving, solid, one true God.

I am thankful to forget about bunnies, baskets and jelly beans. They are - and I rarely use this word - stupid in the big Easter picture. Instead, I cling to the God who sacrificed his one son (I'd never do that, no way) for me, for all of us. And then, kept his promise by defeating death. (Luke 24:1-12)

Chris Tomlin sings a powerful song about what God did and who he is and what it means for every human being, especially in the trials of life. Tomlin reminds me that God isn't an item on the smorgasbord of life that I can sample now and then. God's the main course. In fact, He's everything: good for everyone, cares about everyone, desires everyone to know Him, not just know about Him. I hope you do. Or will very soon.

A happy and meaningful Easter, jelly beans or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKRF8UihM5s&feature=related

I Will Rise
by Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail

There's an anchor for my soul

I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

Chorus:

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light

And the shadows disappear

And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

[Chorus]

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,

"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I hear the cry of every longing heart,

"Worthy is the Lamb"

[Chorus]