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Listen while you read: "Christ Arose"1 (Lyrics) |
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (NIV 2011)
The heavy weight of the immense snows that we have had this winter has brought destruction upon many of the region's trees: limbs have been snapped off, huge trees have been felled. Others have been bent so low by their icy burden that they, too, will die, as they will never again be able to straighten up.
We have also lost members of our community to the icy grip of death. The world has experienced millions of deaths through the pandemic. Death has brought sadness with it — a sadness which I found difficult to shake, until the church was allowed to hold a small funeral — for one at least — of those who have passed.
I was fortunate enough to be among the little group allowed to attend. As I sat there and listened to the funeral service and heard the Scriptures being read, the depth of my sadness was strangely lifted. My heart was at peace. The power and truth of God's Word preached among the gathering of God's people, though we were few, raised my bowed spirit. I was reminded anew that though our trees of life — these frail human bodies — become bowed down and snapped off with age and illness or accident, and though they die, yet, Jesus says, "whoever lives by believing in me will never die." (John 11:26a NIV 2011)
What absolutely marvellous and incredible words! These are words of truth on which we can count. History proves that it has happened before, in the person of Jesus Christ, Who lived and died and rose again, that all mankind might come to believe in Him and receive eternal life.
Let none of us who know our Lord despair when death comes to call upon this greater world that we dwell within, or upon the smaller realm of our everyday lives, for God is not dead. No, He is alive — and so shall we live on through our faith in Christ. This is truly something to celebrate amidst the darkness of mortal death. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
Prayer: Father God, we praise You and thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Remind us anew through Your Word and through Your gift of one another who love Him, that we grieve not like the rest, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that You will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Prayer for Pastor Kristen: "Update December 2, 2024: Kirsten is not doing well. She will probably need to go on disability. She..." 
CHRIST IS RISEN!
Thanks for writing. Happy Easter.
Thanks, Lynn for your message today. Blessings.
Another good devotional, Lynn. Thanks very much. Have a blessed Easter.
A beautiful Easter message of hope. Thank you and God bless you, Lynne!
Thank you for this message of Resurrection and Hope – I grew up in Kenora and know Trees and Snow well.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for this detailed application of scripture and examples of this season.
Good morning Lynn,
Christ is risen, the Lord is risen indeed.
Blessings.
Happy Easter Lynne
Thank you for this encouraging message today!!! So very true, He is alive!!!
God bless.
Thank you, Lynn, for your encouraging testimony in these days of the pandemic and its deadly consequences. Christ has risen, and because He lives, we also live. Hallelujah!
Thank you, Lynne, for adding another blessing to this Easter Sunday. I always look forward to encouraging us with what the Lord gives you to share. May you have a blessed week.
Dear Lynne:
I always enjoy your messages. Today, I must tell you that your Easter Sunday message especially touched my heart. Thank you and God bless.
Lynne
Thanks for sharing your writings. I always find them helpful.
I am sorry for your loss but grateful that you know our Lord and Hope who is helping you through this time of grief.
Blessings.
Hi Lynne
Thank you for sharing how the Lord worked a miracle of healing for you as we are about to shout with great joy that Jesus is Alive, He is Risen Alleluia. The joy of that first Easter gets lived out in our lives anew each and every Easter and every Sunday which is now a mini Easter.
God’s richest blessings.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for another very special and deeply meaningful devotional. Having faith and believing that our loving Lord is ever at work and watching over us, truly lifts the darkness of death. The scripture you related to in John11:26a is very reassuring. Even though we can’t be gathered together in church for worship today, being Easter Sunday, we can still shout those meaningful words and feel very uplifted that “He is risen, He is risen indeed!”.
Many blessings for the special writings you prepare for the devotionals.
Dear Lynne,
Your honest sharing helps us all when we are having a difficult time. I am sorry that where you are there was a severe winter. In Toronto, we had a good winter which made it easier for people to get out for a walk and a little exercise and mental health. Of course, we had a few very cold days, but we didn’t have days of icy sidewalks and blizzard like conditions.
Community of Christians in our lives helps us to keep perspective and remember the hope that Jesus has given to us. May you have a blessed Easter, and you remain uplifted.
Lynne, thank you for a most touching piece!
One of the most important things about funerals is they offer the survivors closure. I am so glad that happened for you.
God bless.