Easter Mercy

I don’t usually share my poems. I am not a poet. What I am is a lover of words. Poetry is a great medium for emotional parts of life, imagery that cannot hold verbose language or an intense framework of dialogue.

As we head into Easter, let’s share the story of Christ’s sacrifice. And remember all Jesus did to redeem us from the bondage of sin.

Ragged Cross

Come to the cross.

Kneel at its rugged base.

Stretch out your hands,

Feel its ragged edges.

This cross is for you.

Upon it Christ died.

His blood flowed,

Dripping endless mercy

And redemption for all.

Now share God’s grace,

Tell all about His sacrifice.

Then live its mighty message.

Grace, mercy, and eternity.

Power of His Love

Love so divine,

Shed for you and me.

Love changing power,

Transforming and cleansing.

Power of the cross.

Power of salvation.

Given for us to receive.

How Can This Be?

Jesus hung on a cross of suffering and shame.

Punishment for criminals, enemies of the state.

How can this be?

A man of honor, love, grace, and mercy.

Humble, sin-less, son, brother, and friend.

How can this be?

An ancient plan, devised in holy whispers,

Prophesied throughout the ages to fruition.

How can this be?

God took something horrific and cruel and

Turned it into something beautiful and holy.

How can this be?

How can we look upon that rugged cross

and see redemption and mercy?

How can this be?

This is what God does.

That’s the love of the Father.

He can change a thunderstorm into a rainbow.

He can take the cross and place His son on it,

Giving the ultimate gift to believers,

Offering His Son as a sacrifice to save mankind,

To defeat Satan and bring victory to death.

If God can do all this for you and me,

He will do exceedingly more.

This is the glory of God.

This is what He does.

With a deeply grateful heart, I thank you, Father, for Your sacrifice upon the cross. Your blood cleansed my sin and made me worthy of forgiveness. Let me always remember the price you paid because of Your great love.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.

Happy Easter! God bless you,

Angela

Faith Meets at the Cross

Dreams kept piercing my sleep. Overlaying images caused intense restlessness until one night I finally got up, grabbed paper and a pen, and began to draw. This is not the first time this has happened. Draw? Really? I kept telling Christ, “I’m not a sketcher.” Still, I felt the deep desire to draw what I kept seeing in my dreams, images and words.

As you can see, I kept it very elemental. I have prayed over this image for weeks. I kept wondering if there was more to it than the simple words that I saw. But there’s not. It’s simple. Faith meets at the cross. That’s where we find our Shepherd, Redeemer, and the powerful blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for us. It’s all wrapped up here.

Shepherd. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Redeemer. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Blood and power of Jesus. By faith you see His face, His torment, His love poured out on the cross. For all suffering, God has a plan. At the cross, we are humbled to see the glorious exhibition of God’s love – one we cannot fully comprehend in our human state. But we are told it’s Jesus’ blood that offers mankind redemption and freedom from the bondage of sin.

“Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

At the Last Supper, Christ explained to His diciples, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28

Songs upon songs have cried out the blessings in the power of Christ’s blood.

“What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow; no other font I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

The Good Shepherd shed His blood for us. He was the last sacrifice and we can trust the righteousness of Christ. Every day I ponder Christ’s sacrifice. I want to honor Christ by remembering and living my life to glorify Him. I’ve been rescued out of a sinful life. 1 Peter 1:18-19 states, “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

Thank you, Father.

I also know Christ, the Good Shepherd, is still working on me, leading me, and protecting me. Because of His death, I am redeemed. The power of Jesus’ blood offers me salvation for my soul, forgiveness for my sins, access to God and victory over Satan. Praise God.

Remembering is important. It keeps your mind focused and your heart engaged to do the good works Christ has prepared in advance. Remembering keeps us headed in the right direction. When we are Christ focused, our burdens are light and our joy is abundant. Even in hard times we still sing a song of victory because of Jesus’ sacrifice. This is when remembering is even more crucial.

Praise be to God, our Shepherd, Redeemer, and Deliverer, Jesus Christ!

Take a moment today to reflect on all that Christ has done for you. Never forget His sacrifice to give you a life of purpose and commitment to Him.

God bless you,

Angela

Jesus Conqueror of Sin

This was written so beautifully that I wanted to share it with you. I’ve been reading this devotional every day since 1989, and I never grow tired of it.

Hope you enjoy. Blessings, Angela

What was the power and influence that changed the cross from an instrument of bloody torture into the most glorious and beloved of all symbols? The Romans had crucified thousands of people before and after Calvary. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, no right-minded person would have glorified anything so hideous and repulsive as a cross stained with the blood of Jesus. By the miracle of His rising from the grave, Jesus placed the seal of assurance upon the forgiveness of our sins. A dead Christ could not have been our Savior. An unopened grave would never have opened heaven. By bursting the chains of the tomb, Jesus proved Himself to all ages the conqueror of sin. The sacrifice on Calvary had fulfilled its purpose; the ransom price paid for your sins and mine had been accepted by God. Hallelujah, what a Savior! 

Each time I see the empty cross, let me be reminded of Your suffering and Your victory, Lord Jesus.

(a reprint from Billy Graham’s Day By Day Devotional)