Blessings of Easter to all our readers over here at Eyes on Jesus and Shine! I’m honored to share some encouragements of life in God’s Word with you. Thank you for visiting!
We weren’t ready for the picture countdown. But the picture snapped and here’s the result.
It’s funny and cute. It’s not nearly perfect. And that’s okay! If you know us up close, you are probably chuckling because this picture speaks a thousand words about who we are in real life.
In a nutshell – imperfect.
You can dress us up, but you can never be quite sure we’re going to get it right. And isn’t that what Jesus knows about us?
Isn’t it what He knows about you too?
And isn’t that the point of Easter? Who was prepared when Jesus died? Who had their life straightened out perfectly once He arose from the tomb? Who got it right? The disciples of Jesus?
No one, not even His family and closest followers, got it right. They all were surprised. What they thought they knew, they didn’t. They all needed to learn more and pray again and read the scrolls once more – this time with the vantage point of a resurrected savior.
The song writer tells us to “Come as we are” to Jesus. Our Pastor, Ricky Jenkins, today bid us all to come near to God on this Easter Sunday. He invited us to ‘come and see’ who God is, and to ‘come and believe’ what He’s done for us.
Just come as you are…
Jesus wants to live life with you.
Maybe you dressed it all up today – or at least you tried to get the family together in matching outfits – for Easter. Maybe your pictures came out less than perfect. Possibly someone wasn’t ready on time or didn’t cooperate.
Maybe you tried to keep the traditions and attempted to make all the family recipes. And maybe your family argued or maybe even refused to come to the table because he or she was going to be there. Possibly the dinner that cost you dearly was unappreciated and left wasted.
Maybe the pictures on Instagram are exceptional, and your meal was catered. Maybe everyone came to the best feast of the year because you always throw a good party. Possibly those who feasted at your table don’t know the true you or the pain you’re currently experiencing.
But now, everyone’s gone to their room, or to their phone, or they’ve left. Possibly you won’t see them again until Christmas or next Easter.
Maybe you feel empty or used.
Whether you tend to try to dress it up but can’t hold it all together, or you tend to create a gorgeous, but hollow facade; Jesus wants you. He wants you just for you. He gets you, and He has a gift of abundant life ready and paid for with your name on it.
Jesus paid it all. He took the punishment and the death sentence. He died at the hands of mortal men because God allowed it and Christ submitted in obedience to God.
Yes, come as you are to Jesus, and say yes to His free gift of salvation. What will happen to your life if you do surrender to His love for you?
I can’t tell you in detail about His plans for your life. Only He knows the story written for you. But I do know because He tells us so – you will experience His peace.
How do you come near to God? Call out His name. Submit your life to Him. It’s really so simple. Just let go of all the control you are attempting to maintain over your life and say yes to Christ. He will take you from there and teach you how to follow Him.
Do it now. Wherever and whenever you are reading this message. Don’t delay.
Is this going to be your very first Resurrection celebration?
It’s up to you. Your choice. Really. You can walk away, but just answer this question before you do?
What’s already so perfect in my life I can’t say yes to perfect love?
“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalms 34:5-8 NIV
Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa
If you said yes to Jesus, welcome to the family. All of us brothers and sisters are quite imperfect, but our Father is all we could ever want or need. He is PERFECT. His love for us is good.
Are you not sure? It’s okay. You are on your faith journey… move forward one step.
So, next steps – start reading the Bible. Read the book of John, or start in Genesis and keep going.
Tell a pastor, a family member or friend that you’ve said yes to Jesus. Then find a Bible believing and Bible preaching church, and go on Sunday.
Plug into discipleship. Community Bible Study or Bible Study Fellowship are excellent if you don’t know of a church Bible study.
You can call our church – Southwest Church – 760.200.2000 and we will do our best to answer your questions and get you connected in discipleship.
Jesus is with you. He will walk you all the way.
Welcome home!
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