I Know

I love 1 Corinthians 15:19. Why? Because it reminds me that if Christ had not been resurrected from the dead, Christians would not be forgiven with their sins or have any hope of eternal life.

Tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday, marking that time when the tomb where Jesus was kept was empty. Jesus was nowhere in the tomb. He had risen! He lives!

From Life Application Bible:

"Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint." [Matthew 28:1-4].

"Then the angel spoke to the women, "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified." He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you." [Matthew 28:5-7].

I wrote this song on 12/3/06 when the wind was so gusty as I was driving, on my way to work. Inside the car, I wasn't even terrified as the words of this song was forming in my mind. That's peace and joy that we can find only in Jesus despite turbulent times.

The same thing today as we celebrate His resurrection. I know that I shouldn't be afraid even of death because He promised "eternal life" to those who will believe in His resurrection. Just like that angel's message, we are not to be afraid because Jesus is not dead! He lives! [Amen!]. And that we are to tell others about this [just as the angel told the women to tell the disciples]. Lord, thank You for Your gift of eternal life!

I Know

I know with You I'm completely new

And I know that Your Word is forever true

I know that You're Lord and Savior of all

And I know, Jesus, You love my soul

CHORUS:

I'm able to stand as You hold my hand

Please draw me nearer to You

You took away all of my fears

Jesus, to me, please be near

I know on the cross You died for all

And I know, what You did is immeasurable

I know, that Your grace and love rained on me

And I know, Jesus, You had set me free

[repeat chorus]

'Cause I know.......You're the only way, the truth and the life. No one can go to the Father but through You [John 14:6]

Jesus, I know....You're the bread of life. Whoever goes to You will not hunger nor thirst [John 6:35]

Jesus, I know....You're the light of the world. Whoever walks with You will not have darkness but have the light of life [John 8:12]

Jesus, I know....You're the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last [Revelation 22:13]

[repeat chorus]

Jesus, I know..........[By God's grace, I am what I am....]

-rrrs 12/3/06

Happy Resurrection Sunday everyone! To God be the glory!

Patience and Contentment

"Hurry! I think they're only open half-day today," I told my son who was needing a haircut. His daddy was running errands and I felt bad if he would still be the one to take our son to the barber shop.

Waiting to be called, my son and I sat on the green, plastic chairs and as he started reading a car magazine, two little boys with their daddy caught my attention.

The first tyke just got done with his haircut and as his father rose from the barber's chair, he started looking at the glass shelves where some baseball cards and little toy cars were neatly arranged to be sold. He started peering at the baseball cards on top and yelled, "I want one now!". The daddy made some suggestion and gave the names on the baseball cards to which the toddler said, "No!" The father carried him on his arms and he started bawling, "I want one daddy! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh," the crying started to fade as the door closed behind them. Everyone was just smiling after witnessing what had just transpired.

Another cute little boy emerged from the other barber's seat. With a little grin on his face, he calmly approached a green chair at the waiting area, as he waited for his daddy to get done with his haircut, too. He got up and like a big man, carefully held a magazine and walked back to where he was sitting, smiling the whole time and as quiet as a mouse. His little fingers were combing his newly-cut locks on the back of his head. He got up again and walked quietly toward the shelf where the magazines were laid out. He closed the magazine he was reading and neatly put it back on top. His daddy got up from the chair and smiling, the little toddler approached his daddy and out they went towards the door. He didn't even ask his father to buy him anything from the shelf. Everyone was smiling again and talking with our eyes, we seemed to agree that this little boy was the complete opposite of the other one. It wasn't the haircut that made him cuter but his gentle, quiet ways in him and that contented smile on his face.

When waiting for our Daddy to answer our requests [prayers], are we impatient like the first tot or are we willing to be calm to patiently wait for His answers? Should we get upset and bawl out when our answers don't get answered? What if our Daddy says:

1. "Okay, you can have it!"

2. "No! I won't give it to you."

3. "Not at this time."

4. "Maybe later."

How do we respond to those answers from the One Who truly knows what's good and bad for us?

Can we keep smiling like that second toddler, not even asking for anything but just contented that he had a haircut like his daddy; that he and his daddy had a great time together that morning?

Father, help us remember that when we learn to become impatient as we wait for our prayers to be answered, we must also learn to trust You, our heavenly Father, for You always have our best interests in mind. Give us a heart that doesn't conform to worldly things but help us set our minds on heavenly things. Help us dear Lord to be contented and be joyful with Your presence in our lives.

Forgive us for the times that when we want something, we tend to turn our backs on You when You don't answer our prayers. Forgive us when we become impatient and when we forget that everything happens in Your perfect time, a time that is completely different from the kind that we have.

Thank You Lord for the times that You carry us in Your arms when we cry for things that we don't even truly need. Thank you for providing us all of our needs. Thank you for making us co-heirs with Christ. Thank You for loving us unconditionally. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Contemporary English Version]:

Psalm 27:14 - "Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD."

Proverbs 14:29 -"It's smart to be patient, but it's stupid to lose your temper."

Romans 12:12 -"Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying."

Isaiah 40:31 -" But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired."