By Sami Fortin | PREVIEW Columnist
Dear Lord,
Open the eyes of our heart so we can know you. Show us the meaning of the Holy Days that are a representation of your sacrifice on the cross, not only to see what you’ve done, but to know what’s to come.
If it weren’t for your death and resurrection there’d be no hope for us to live in eternity. Because of our sin there was no way for us to be reconciled to You except for what Your one and only Son was willing to do on our behalf.
Any one who’s gone to church knows the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection (you cannot refute), but I wonder how many take a minute to think what it would be like if you never came to earth as a man and showed us the way. What would we live for? Ourselves? Then what? Turn back to dirt? If that were true, the Bible is a lie and your death was for nothing. Praise God, that’s not the truth. What is true is you did come and you did show us that you are the way, the truth and the life.
Once we receive this truth, recognize our sin and confess it, you are so willing to forgive us. We start a whole new life with victory over our enemy, having a host of angels protecting us. We can understand your word and know the depth, the height, the width and length of your love for us. We can receive healing and freedom from old mind sets, for you transform us and renew our minds by your word. When you speak, everything changes.
You give the Holy Spirit, which is You manifested in power, so we can use Your wonderful fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and, most important, self-control. This gift enables us to be a witness to those around us, bring the meaning of your sacrifice and your joy to life. Just because we know you and what you’re willing to do. Give us hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, which have the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness the comes with good attitude.
With the resurrection power given us in the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can count it all joy, when we face trials and tribulations because we keep our minds on you and those things that are eternal. Those are good things that we expectantly wait for. Thank you with all our hearts that now we can be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. We can be a blessing to others and show them the love of Christ all because of what you came to earth and did for us.
Remind us of your truths, let us meditate on the stories of old when the priests were separated for service to the Lord, so then in our today, we get to do all things as to You. We will love working, for you’ll give us rest from all worries. Oh, people, the freedom from fear is something to shout about. I will continue to pray unceasingly, making all requests known with thanksgiving because You give me the power to say to this mountain, “Go throw yourself in the sea,” and there’s no doubt in my heart, but I believe that what you say will happen.
Since you came we’ve been comforted in our mourning and we are able to comfort others with the same comfort. We receive a crown of beauty instead of ashes, we get the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Lift up our heads to see the King of Glory come in and meet all our needs by your presence. Turn our ears to wisdom and apply our hearts not to our own understanding, but to trust in You and You will direct our steps.
Through your sacrifice, you’ve made way for us to offer ourselves as a sacrifice, and are now willing for you to come in and create in us the longing and ability to fulfill our purpose for Your good pleasure. This is my heart for your people because I know at the heart of Easter is the love of Jesus for all humanity. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
