What Does Easter Mean to You?

This Sunday, millions of people will celebrate a holiday known as Easter. There are nearly as many Easter traditions around the world as there are candy-filled plastic eggs. But with all of the popularity surrounding this annual celebration, I have but one question to ask. What does Easter mean to you?

Many people enjoy participating in egg extravaganzas, ranging from simple Easter egg hunts to elaborate egg drops. Others savor the opportunity to shop for a new spring outfit, hoping to receive a lot of compliments on Easter Sunday. Of course, there are also individuals whose take on Easter is strictly ruled by their taste buds, considering the colorful hard-boiled eggs, baskets filled with chocolate, and special dinner menus at many restaurants. Unfortunately, some people even look forward to Easter because it is one of the two times a year they actually attend church services.

From greeting cards to holiday decorations, Easter has sadly become an overly commercialized holiday much like Christmas. Although the fanfare may seem innocent, it often overshadows the true reason for the holiday. This weekend is a time to reflect on the gift God gave to all mankind. He gave His only Son. Instead of looking at the Easter bunny, our focus should be on Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, the name Easter has pagan roots, coming from the name Ishtar. Some traditions, such as the Easter egg, symbolize fertility, paying homage to this ancient goddess of fertility. Personally, I like to refer to this special day as Resurrection Sunday instead of Easter. Why? Because I do not honor a pagan goddess, I serve the one true living God. He is the only One who has the power to create, to heal, or to save.

Resurrection Sunday is a day to worship God and thank Him for the gift of salvation. John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God gave His Son to die for us because He loved us. The love God has for us is greater than any love on the face of the earth. God’s Word says we have all sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard (Rom. 3:23). Yet, God gave His only Son to die for the forgiveness of our sins, knowing that many would still reject this most wondrous act of love.

On Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made on Calvary. Our Lord was beaten until He was almost unrecognizable. He was spit upon and mocked. A crown of thorns was pressed into His skull. Nails were driven into His hands and His feet. A spear was thrust into His side. As He hung on the cross, He cried out, “’My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matt. 27:46). He could have called thousands of angels, but He stayed on the cross so you and I could receive redemption.

You may be wondering why Jesus obeyed His Father, enduring such agony on the cross. Jesus did not give His life to gain fame and fortune. He was not striving to garner notoriety among the people of His day. He gave His life because of love (I John 3:16). His sacrifice was rare. Christ died for people who didn’t even love Him in return. Romans 5:8 (NIV) says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” As the Bible mentions, some people might be willing to give their life for a good man, but most people would not be willing to sacrifice their life for an evil person. Yet that is exactly what God did for us.

Of course, the story doesn’t end there. As Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross, He was placed in a borrowed tomb. Three days later, Jesus rose up from the grave. He conquered death forevermore. Right this moment, He is sitting at the right hand of His Father, in Heaven, interceding on our behalf. Romans 8:34 (NIV) says, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Jesus loves us so much that He acts as a mediator on our behalf, pleading for us that we should not perish, but accept the gift of eternal life.

One day very soon, Jesus Christ will return to this earth. But when He comes back to earth, He is not coming back to be rejected and spit upon. Instead, He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords, to take His children home to be with Him for all eternity.

Have you made preparations for Christ’s return? If you confess your sins and put your trust in Jesus Christ, then you can receive the priceless gift of salvation that only comes from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus said, “‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 NLT). When it is all said and done, a relationship with Christ is the only thing that can provide true redemption and lasting hope. For hope is not found in a bunny, an egg, or even a church service. Eternal hope is only found through Jesus Christ.

The Journey Began on a Donkey

Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ rode into town on a donkey? There was no champion thoroughbred or luxurious chariot. The King of Kings entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey just for you and me. He did it to carry out His Father’s plan that included a difficult journey from the cross to the grave. This journey of love began with a triumphant entry and transformed into a sorrowful crucifixion. Think about how Jesus must have felt, riding a donkey, knowing all the while that He would be crucified by the very people His Father created. One day, they were waving palm branches as He rode into town. A few days later, they would be waving their fists, shouting, “Crucify Him!” And it all started on a donkey.

I wonder if Jesus ever questioned, “A donkey?” Surely there must have been the slightest bit of hesitation when the Savior of the world was being asked to ride into town on a borrowed donkey. While Jesus may have never questioned this minor detail, I am sure most people would have had something to say about that. There are times in my life when I wonder why God gives me a donkey, so to speak, when I have requested a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation. Sometimes, God does not hand us exactly what we want on a silver platter. Instead, He gives us exactly what we need. Rather than giving us everything we want, like a spoiled child, He wants us to trust Him to provide what we need when we need it. That's what Jesus did. He trusted His Father completely, even to the point of death.

Jesus knew God would only ask Him to do what He could realistically accomplish. He remained steadfast in His love for His Father, fulfilling His Father’s plan. Even unto death, Jesus carried out the will of God. Jesus knew that He was the only Perfect Sacrifice. He knew a world without His crucifixion meant that all would be lost. Romans 3:23 (NIV) says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Jesus knew we needed a Savior, so He suffered and died on our behalf. As the beloved song says, “He could have called ten thousand angels, but He did it all for you and me.” If Jesus had not trusted His Father, our sins could never be erased and there would be no means of getting into Heaven. If He had not given His life for us, the end of our life on this earth would literally be just that - the end.

Thanks to God’s amazing love for us, and the love His Son Jesus has for us, we have hope for eternity. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will live forever. John 3:16 (ESV) says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus doesn’t want us to live without hope. He doesn’t want us to see death as the ill-awaited doomsday of our life. Instead, He wants us to cherish the time we have on this earth, all the while, joyfully awaiting the moment we walk through Heaven’s gates.

Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God. If you believe this to be true, you do not have to fear the future. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). If you confess your sins and believe Jesus Christ is Lord, you will not die, but live forever. I Thessalonians (NIV) says, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Jesus wants to walk beside you on this earth, and when your earthly life is over, He wants you to live with Him in Heaven. If you have asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, your life will be filled with hope. You have the hope of eternity with Jesus.

The next time you see a donkey, think about the animal that carried the King of kings upon its back. And the next time you wonder why God chose a donkey, take a closer look at the donkey’s back. I know God, the Creator of this hard-working creature, must have gave extra attention to creating the intricate design upon its back: a cross. Since the beginning of time, God knew His only Son would ride upon a donkey before His journey to Calvary’s cross. He knew His only Son would die for every man, woman, boy, and girl. He knew some people would love Him, and He knew others would reject Him. He knew the name of Jesus would be praised and adored, and other times, this holy name would be criticized and mocked. Yet, He did it all, just for you and me. Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. Will you love Him in return?

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Easter Sunday: Jesus is Alive!

Palm Sunday: A Journey on a Donkey

Life, Love, Easter

Keep Your Fork!

As a young teenager, I remember hearing my dad share a story he once heard that simply reminds us to keep our fork.  Even in recent years, I have heard my dad tell this story on more than one occasion.  The message in it is so simple, yet the meaning behind the message is so profound.  The story tells of a man who was told to “keep his fork,” while attending a dinner on the grounds at church one Sunday.  When he asked why, another church member responded, “For dessert.  The best is yet to come!”

What would the world be like if Christians everywhere held on to this attitude in our everyday existence?  Instead of griping and complaining about every twist and turn our lives may take, what if we simply held on to the promise in God’s Word that the best truly is yet to come?  Just as the man was instructed to keep his fork, we should keep our faith.  The Bible tells us to stand firm in our faith.  Yet we often find ourselves floundering, uncertain of our future, wondering if God can even hear our prayers.

We get caught up in whether or not the new flowers on the communion table match the sanctuary.  We grapple over the choir director’s choices of songs each Sunday and we debate over which deacon should lead the offertory prayer.  From paint colors to upholstery and cleaning products to hymn books, individuals in churches tend to focus on the things that are insignificant.  More important focal points would be whether or not the people of the church were seeking God’s will in every decision they make, not only in the life of the church, but in their own lives as well.

God’s Word says that without faith, it is impossible to please God.  If we micromanage every aspect of the church and never consult the true Head of the church, then it is certain that all efforts to succeed spiritually will fail.  We must put our lives and our ministries in God’s hands.  We must pray and seek His direction.  We cannot throw our fork on the tray every single time, expecting that a new one will be at our disposal.  We also cannot assume that dessert will be served with every meal.  Sometimes, we must delve deeper into the main course first.  In this case, we are talking about spending more time in prayer and less time waiting for the next blessing to ascend.

There will be many times in our lives when God says, wait.  He may not answer our prayers the first or second time we seek His will for our lives.  He may be preparing us in advance for a greater work beyond our imagination.  But whether we see the hand of God move in our lives instantly or years down the road, we must have faith that He is working on our behalf.  Just like the man who was told to keep his fork, he sat in expectation that dessert would be served.  He didn’t complain about the slow service or the fact he would have to eat it with a fork that he had used to eat his main course.  He just sat and waited patiently, with the knowledge that the best truly was on its way.

In Ecclesiastes 7:10, we read that the best is yet to come.  It simply says that it is not wise to ask if the old days were better.  We must focus on the days ahead.  You may be going through a trial that seems insurmountable.  Recently, I learned of an entire family who perished in an accident.  I cannot imagine the grief that their loved ones must be going through.  But even for these individuals, who are overcome with sorrow, I can tell them with a calm assurance that I know the best is yet to come.

God’s will is greater than our own will.  He always knows what is best.  While many things in life cannot be explained in this life, you can rest assured that God works all things together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.  One day, we will reach our Heavenly home.  The trials of this life will be a distant memory.  Everything will become as clear as day.  So keep your fork; the best is yet to come!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A Donkey

Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, rode into town on a donkey more than two thousand years ago? There was no champion thoroughbred, no luxurious chariot…just a donkey. The King of Kings entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey just for you and me. He did it to carry out His Father’s plan that included a difficult journey from the cross to the grave. This journey of love began with a triumphant entry and transformed into a sorrowful crucifixion. Think about how Jesus must have felt, riding a donkey, knowing all the while that He would be crucified by the very people His Father created. One day, they were waving palm branches as He rode into town. A few days later, they would be waving their fists, shouting, “Crucify Him!” And to think, it all started on a donkey.

I wonder if Jesus ever questioned, “A donkey???” Did He ever think, “Come on, Father, you’ve got to be kidding?” Surely there must have been the slightest bit of hesitation when the Savior of the world was being asked to ride into town on a borrowed donkey. While Jesus may have never questioned this minor detail, I am sure that my often outspoken, human self would have had something to say about that. I know there are times in my life when I wonder why God gives me a donkey, so to speak, when I have requested a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation. Sometimes, God does not hand us exactly what we want on a silver platter. Instead, He gives us the things we need. Rather than giving us a “fast pass” through life, He wants us to trust Him to provide what we need when we need it. And Jesus Christ trusted His Father completely.

Jesus knew that God would only ask Him to do what He could realistically accomplish. Although He may have questioned the events relating to His crucifixion, He remained steadfast in His love for His Father, fulfilling His Father’s plan. Even unto death, Jesus carried out the will of God. Jesus knew that He was the only Perfect Sacrifice. He knew that a world without His crucifixion meant that all would be lost forevermore. He knew that you and I needed a Savior. As the old song says, “He could have called ten thousand angels, but He did it all for you and me.” He knew He could not back out at the last minute…to do so would have changed the world for eternity. And in effect, it would have put an end to the notion of eternity for you and me. If Jesus had not trusted His Father, there would be no way for us to have our sins washed away and there would be no means of getting into Heaven. If He had not given His life for us, the end of our life on this earth would literally be just that - the end.

Thanks to God’s amazing love for us, and the love His Son Jesus has for us, we have hope for eternity. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will live forever. John 3:16 (ESV) says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus doesn’t want us to live without hope. He doesn’t want us to see death as the ill-awaited doomsday of our life. And He doesn’t want us to fear the future. Instead, He wants us to cherish the time we have on this earth, all the while, joyfully awaiting the moment we walk into Heaven’s gates. He wants us to believe that He is the Son of the Living God. If you believe this to be true, you will not die, but live. I Thessalonians (NIV) says, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Jesus wants to walk beside you on this earth, and when your earthly life is over, He wants you to live with Him in Heaven. If you have asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, you have a life filled with hope. You have the hope of eternity.

So, the next time you see a donkey, think about the animal that, over two thousand years ago, carried the King of Kings upon its back. And the next time you wonder why God chose a donkey, take a closer look at the donkey’s back. I know that God, the Creator of this hard-working creature, must have seen the significance in the design upon its back: a cross. Since the beginning of time, God knew that His only Son would ride upon a donkey on His journey to Calvary’s cross. He knew that His only Son would die for every man, woman, boy, and girl. And yes, He knew that some people would love Him, and He knew that others would reject Him. He knew that the name of Jesus would be praised and adored, and other times, this holy name would be criticized and mocked. Yet, He did it all, just for you and me. Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. Will you love Him in return?

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

("A Donkey" was originally published April 17, 2011.)

365 Days of Easter

Easter.  The time of year when flowers begin to blossom, bunnies emerge as the number one pet, and ordinary white eggs are transformed into meticulous works of art.  Men, women, boys, and girls dress in their very best, often posing for Easter photographs before Sunday dinner, knowing that everyone may become a little disheveled after eating a bountiful holiday meal.  Children enjoy hunting for eggs that hold a multitude of treasures, secretly hidden by the Easter Bunny himself.  Parents’ eyes fill with delight as children sort through the goodies carefully chosen and displayed in a colorful basket filled with plastic “grass” in a rainbow of colors.  Many people will steal away for a quiet afternoon nap, having risen before daybreak to attend a sunrise service in their community.  Easter is a day for family, a day for rest, a day to remember what Christ did for you and me.  But I want to ask you, should Easter come just once a year?

On Easter, we remember what Christ did for us.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that we may have everlasting life.”  God gave the most precious gift that he could give to the world.  God did not wrap up His Son in a neat little package with a bow on top, expecting to receive a thank you card from the recipients.  The package was two pieces of wood nailed together to form a cross.  The bow was a crown of thorns pressed into His Son’s skull.  Instead of gratefulness for this most priceless gift, the only acknowledgement He received was the voices of the crowd who cried, “Crucify Him!”

Just imagine.  God sends His 33-year-old Son to die for a world that despises Him.  He watches intently as His little boy is nailed to a tree, enduring more pain and agony than any one person has ever felt at one time.  God looks down from Heaven as His Son’s side is pierced, blood profusely pouring out of the wound.  All the while, both Father and Son could have called ten thousand angels to stop the evildoers in their tracks.  But Jesus trusted His Father.  He knew that His Father would work all things together for His good.  And God knew that putting an end to His Son’s suffering would change nothing.  He knew His Son had to die.  He knew that this selfless gift would change everything.

Soon, Jesus proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30 ESV).  For Jesus’ mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and his disciples, I am sure this seemed like the end.  Jesus was dead.  He was laid in a tomb.  The grave was the final stop along life’s journey.  For two days, Jesus’ family and friends visited His gravesite.  For two days, nothing changed.  But on the third day, everything changed.

For on the third day, the stone had been rolled away.  Two angels spoke to Mary Magdalene when she came to the see the place where Jesus’ body lay: “‘Woman, why are you weeping?’  She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’  Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus^.  Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’” (John 20:13-15 ESV).

Just imagine!  Jesus is speaking to Mary, yet she does not recognize Him.  Certainly, she does not even consider the possibility, seeing as He is supposed to be lying in the tomb.  She did not expect to see Jesus.  Like Mary Magdalene, we do not always expect extraordinary miracles to occur.  It’s almost as if we set our expectations too low.  We pray, yet do we really believe that God can heal someone who is battling cancer, provide deliverance for a hard core drug addict, or even raise someone from the dead?  When we pray, we need to remember that God is the one true and living God.  There is no problem that He cannot handle because He holds every solution.  God can do anything but fail.

God knew all along that Jesus would miraculously rise again on the third day.  He knew that His only Son must endure pain and suffering for a season and then emerge victorious.  Why?  So that you and I could receive the gift of eternal life.  This is what Easter is all about.  Why then, should Easter only be celebrated one day a year?  Jesus died for us and wants to live in our hearts forever, not just one Sunday each spring.  He wants you to have a personal relationship with Him, trusting Him, leaning on Him, and loving Him.  Jesus loves you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  He has never stopped loving you and He will never stop loving you.

Have you asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life?  Do you have the assurance that you will live eternally?  If you have not done so, I want to encourage you to make this the moment when you put your trust in the God who created you.  Have faith in the God who gave His only Son just to give you the gift of eternal life.  Cling to the God who holds you in His heart and loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Jesus loves you with a fervent love that has no end.  He wants you to live a joyous life filled with His enduring love, mercy, and grace.

Easter is a celebration of life, the Resurrected life of Christ and the Resurrected life of all who believe.  Life is something that should be celebrated every day, not just once a year.  This year, celebrate life.  Celebrate the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  God does not want you to live a life overshadowed by sorrow, pain, or fear.  He wants you to live a life that is full of abundant joy, absolute love, and steadfast hope for a bright future in Heaven with Him.  This year, as you enjoy the chocolate bunnies, colorful decorations, and delicious dinners, remember to focus on the reason for this season: Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer

If Every Day Was Sunday

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if every day was Sunday?  Today, I find myself wishing this to be true.  Sundays are the one day a week when I can slow down, take a deep breath, and truly enjoy the day.  There are generally no deadlines to meet, no work-related phone calls to make, and no stressful situations to wade through.  Instead, there are delightful conversations with friends and family, uplifting church services to attend, and delicious food of which to partake.  Not to mention the fact that Sunday afternoons also bring several luxuries to me personally: surfing the web, working on my blog, and one of my absolute favorites, playing the piano.  But the one thing I like the most about Sunday is not the absence of stress or the ability to do as I please.  The thing I enjoy the most is the fact that people around the world are simultaneously lifting up their voices in praise to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

Additionally, the arrival of Sunday morning means that Christians in all four corners of the world are standing together in prayer, united together.  If only for a moment, their hearts are joined in one accord.  God’s Word says where two or three are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ, there He will be in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).  Just imagine how the angels must rejoice in Heaven when thousands upon thousands gather together on Sunday.  What would the world be like if Christians united together every single day of the week?  How would the news change if Christians everywhere met each morning to pray?  Surely, the world would no longer be the same.  Life would change for the better if every day was Sunday.
 

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  Paul does not say to rejoice in the Lord only on Sundays.  Instead, he says that we should rejoice always.  Even if we are sitting in an emergency room waiting room, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  If we are bombarded with constant stress at work, finding ourselves being pulled in every direction, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  And if we find ourselves in the darkest valley we have ever walked through, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  Paul is not saying to rejoice for the difficulties that may arise, but to rejoice in the Lord always.  There is never a moment when a Christian should not be filled with the joy of the Lord.  If you feel weak, remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength!  Rejoice, be glad, and thank God for every single day He gives you.
 

The psalmist David gives us similar advice when he writes, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV).  David does not tell us that Sunday is the only day the Lord has made.  The exact word he uses is the word, “This.”  While this may apply to a particular day, such as the day when Christ returns to take His children home, we could also apply this advice to any day of the year.  God has given us 365 days a year to either enjoy or dread.  No matter what is going on in your life, there is always something to be thankful for.  There is always a reason to rejoice.  This morning, you woke up.  That is a miracle in itself.  Thank God for the miracles in your life.  Rejoice every single day.  Rejoice in every situation.  Rejoice as if every day was Sunday.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

A Donkey

Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, rode into town on a donkey more than two thousand years ago?  There was no champion thoroughbred, no luxurious chariot…just a donkey.  The King of Kings entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey just for you and me.  He did it to carry out His Father’s plan that included a difficult journey from the cross to the grave.  This journey of love began with a triumphant entry and transformed into a sorrowful crucifixion.  Think about how Jesus must have felt, riding a donkey, knowing all the while that He would be crucified by the very people His Father created.  One day, they were waving palm branches as He rode into town.  A few days later, they would be waving their fists, shouting, “Crucify Him!”  And to think, it all started on a donkey.

I wonder if Jesus ever questioned, “A donkey???”  Did He ever think, “Come on, Father, you’ve got to be kidding?”  Surely there must have been the slightest bit of hesitation when the Savior of the world was being asked to ride into town on a borrowed donkey.  While Jesus may have never questioned this minor detail, I am sure that my often outspoken, human self would have had something to say about that.  I know there are times in my life when I wonder why God gives me a donkey, so to speak, when I have requested a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation.  Sometimes, God does not hand us exactly what we want on a silver platter.  Instead, He gives us the things we need.  Rather than giving us a “fast pass” through life, He wants us to trust Him to provide what we need when we need it.  And Jesus Christ trusted His Father completely.

Jesus knew that God would only ask Him to do what He could realistically accomplish.  Although He may have questioned the events relating to His crucifixion, He remained steadfast in His love for His Father, fulfilling His Father’s plan.  Even unto death, Jesus carried out the will of God.  Jesus knew that He was the only Perfect Sacrifice.  He knew that a world without His crucifixion meant that all would be lost forevermore.  He knew that you and I needed a Savior.  As the old song says, “He could have called ten thousand angels, but He did it all for you and me.”  He knew He could not back out at the last minute…to do so would have changed the world for eternity.  And in effect, it would have put an end to the notion of eternity for you and me.  If Jesus had not trusted His Father, there would be no way for us to have our sins washed away and there would be no means of getting into Heaven.  If He had not given His life for us, the end of our life on this earth would literally be just that - the end.

Thanks to God’s amazing love for us, and the love His Son Jesus has for us, we have hope for eternity.  If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will live forever.  John 3:16 (ESV) says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  Jesus doesn’t want us to live without hope.  He doesn’t want us to see death as the ill-awaited doomsday of our life.  And He doesn’t want us to fear the future.  Instead, He wants us to cherish the time we have on this earth, all the while, joyfully awaiting the moment we walk into Heaven’s gates.  He wants us to believe that He is the Son of the Living God.  If you believe this to be true, you will not die, but live.  I Thessalonians (NIV) says, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”  Jesus wants to walk beside you on this earth, and when your earthly life is over, He wants you to live with Him in Heaven.  If you have asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, you have a life filled with hope.  You have the hope of eternity.

So, the next time you see a donkey, think about the animal that, over two thousand years ago, carried the King of Kings upon its back.  And the next time you wonder why God chose a donkey, take a closer look at the donkey’s back.  I know that God, the Creator of this hard-working creature, must have seen the significance in the design upon its back: a cross.  Since the beginning of time, God knew that His only Son would ride upon a donkey on His journey to Calvary’s cross.  He knew that His only Son would die for every man, woman, boy, and girl.  And yes, He knew that some people would love Him, and He knew that others would reject Him.  He knew that the name of Jesus would be praised and adored, and other times, this holy name would be criticized and mocked.  Yet, He did it all, just for you and me.  Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally.  Will you love Him in return?

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer