I don’t know about you, but this life is so busy that I can look at Easter weekend as one more thing to do. I can see everything that need to happen: clean the house, fill the eggs for the hunt, make the food, set the table, serve at church…

I need to intentionally stop myself and my brain and re-focus on Jesus and all He did for me. Even before the crucifixion and His resurrection Jesus faced the immeasurable pain of the Cross and separation from His Father.

All four Gospels speak about Jesus’ time in the garden praying. Jesus was God and was in control of every aspect of His life and ministry up to this point. He knew what He came to earth to do, but at this moment … this moment when the reality of all He was going to face … for me! For you! This moment He went to a familiar place to talk to His Father and His humanness didn’t want to face it:

“Going a little farther He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him.
Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for You. Take this this cup from me…” Mark 14:35&36

Jesus shows us what it looks like to completely surrender to the will of God: “…Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Can you imagine how God must have met Him in that moment?! The love and strength He must have received from God! Because after that time with His Father in the garden, we see Jesus face His accusers with confidence and peace. He stands fully knowing who He is and what He is doing.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom You have sent.
I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
And now, Father, glorify me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began.” John 17:3-5

I am so grateful for all Jesus did for me and that I belong to Him. No one or anything can remove me from the safety of His arms.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.
And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead,
He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you.”
Romans 8:11

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time LORD’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory.”
Isaiah 61:1-3

Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have the promises and power of God to live whole and free lives!!!!!

I am overwhelmed by the love He has poured out and rescued me.
”Father, let me remember Your love and all You have given me especially when I get distracted by the craziness of life. May I never take lightly all that You have done.”

I hope you have a wonderfully, fantastic Easter weekend and remember how much you are loved!!!!
All My Love ~
Jodi xo

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