HE is RISEN! He is RISEN INDEED!

Our God is an AWESOME God; He reigns from Heaven above, with wisdom, power and love; our God is an AWESOME God!

Romans 1:16 - I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation of everyone who believes...

While reading through the Bible, I was reminded on Friday of the excruciating pain, agony, and humiliation that Jesus endured. If even the son of God was not exempt from the worst trials this world has to offer, then why do we think it is unfair when we must experience the pains of this life?

Jesus, even though wanting to be out of the horrible conditions He knew lay ahead says, "Never the less, not my will but Yours be done." He knew that even through the darkest time in history (His story) that God had an ultimate plan and that "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28". Then even while in the worst physical and emotional pain that anyone could ever endure he prays, "Father forgive them; they know not what they are doing." WOW! Even with objects impaling his body, muscles ripping, beginning to suffocate, and still having insults thrown at him Jesus prays for his enemies. As darkness fell on the earth the Light of the World went out. Along with the death of Jesus, the hopes, dreams, and future of many seemed to die as well.

But on Sunday morning, the power of the Holy Spirit sent from God raised Jesus from the dead, resurrecting not only Jesus but the hopes, dreams, and futures of all those who believed in Him.

Today we still have the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives if we have accepted the free gift of salvation. Even when marriages, families, hope, etc... seem dead, the power of the Holy Spirit can resurrect those things that appear to be dead and bring them back to life. It's amazing that we celebrate Easter in Spring, when the dead looking flowers, grass, and trees begin to have small buds at first but with time they burst forth in vibrant life and color.

May you experience the resurrecting power in those areas in which you thought were dead, today and forever more.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
AMEN!