April 21, 2019
What a Wonderful Day
Two holidays that are very special to me, and I will share with you what they are and why. Thanksgiving, for to me it is about family, Jan and I so enjoy spending time and giving the Lord thanks for how He has blessed us. And the greatest gift, His Son Jesus Christ, for without Him we would not have the peace and joy or the assurance of His presence, now and forever.
The other is Easter, and the reality of Jesus God’s only Son setting us free from the punishment of sin in each of our lives. I’m sure you have heard that He has risen, and indeed He has, but it so much higher than that, death could not hold Him. You do understand; no one took His life, and He gave His life for all who would desire to be free from the control of sin and evil. Both Jan and I made that choice to follow Jesus, so have our daughter and son-in-law and both grandsons, and so many of you that are receiving this message have also, and we give praise to Jesus!
On this day we are reminded that Jesus gave us a heads-up on what was coming after He left to go to the Father, look at John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And what about John 14:18-21, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
So this is my favorite Day, the victory was won, Jesus overcame death, the grave, and sin was defeated, and all who will begin by faith putting their trust in Him will have victory over all the above and receive God’s grace.
Now I’m sure not against celebrating the birth of our Lord, but for me it is a day that has been kidnaped by the world, and often HO-Ho is honored and greed, and materialism takes the place of the birth of my Lord. Most of the holidays are tied to materialism. I have had men tell me that if I forget Valentines Day I better be dying and in the hospital. My dear friend, Carroll Ray Jr. taught me about the power of giving a sussie, not sure there is such a word. But a sussie is a gift that is not expected, and not on a particular day. It is saying, I was thinking about you, and how knowing you blessed my life. I so enjoy giving those kinds of gifts, no matter what you call it. And that is why I love Easter because the Father gave the greatest gift that was ever presented with you in mind.
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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