Hope-Full Living

I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.John 14:3bOur life is filled with periods of "just a little while." We tell our children going to school for the first time, "I will be back in a little bit." We tell loved ones and close friends, "See you in a few hours," or weeks, or months, or just plain "soon." During the absent times, there are anxious thoughts, wondering how our loved ones are doing.Our faith sustains us through the difficult "little while" times. Prior to His ascending to heaven, our Lord and Savior promised us that we will again see Him — in a little while. That promise was made many years ago, which requires us to be patient, for His promise is sure and perfect.Prayer: Dear Savior, help us to never forget that Your "little while" promise means that You absolutely will return to take us to You in heaven. Amen.Reflect: God's promises are sure and perfect.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life."John 11:25aEaster is the most important festival of the Church Year and celebrates Jesus' resurrection. Easter celebrates Jesus' victory over sin and death. Easter is God's greatest act of love to redeem mankind. Easter is the celebration of God's promise fulfilled and the victory of life over death. It is the heart of our faith where sorrow turns to joy and death gives way to eternal life.Jesus' resurrection offers real hope for the believer. Easter means that salvation is not something that we earn, but a gift received through faith and hope in Jesus. The day of Easter renews and strengthens our hope in God's love. The season of Easter is a time to celebrate and worship in joyful response to what God has done for us. Singing, praying, and gathering with others lifts our hearts as a jubilant response to God's victorious actions.Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the joyous hope that Easter provides for my life. Amen.Reflect: Pray for opportunities to share your hope about the events of Easter with someone else.

I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.John 14:3bLori invited me to join her and Jean for a weekend retreat in the mountains. I looked forward to a peaceful time of fellowship with two dear friends. Jean said, "Instead of meeting us at the cabin, come here the night before. The three of us will enjoy visiting as we drive over together."When I arrived, Jean greeted me with a hug. She'd prepared a welcoming sanctuary in her guest room with soft lamplight, bottled water, and a dish of peppermints.Before His death and resurrection, Jesus promised He'd prepare a place for those who believe in Him, "that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3). Just imagine. Jesus is creating a perfect sanctuary where those He died to save will enjoy sweet fellowship with Him forever.Prayer: Father, thank You for the sweet fellowship I have with You now and will have with You forever. Amen.Reflect: How can you share the peace of Jesus and His promise with someone this week?

When he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.1 John 3:2bAs we mature in age, by God's grace, we also mature in faith. Our desire to be like Jesus increases. We seek to live in ways that reflect His love, mercy, and compassion to the people we encounter, but the day is coming when we will be like Jesus in other ways, too.When our Savior returns on the Last Day, we will see Him as He is. He will be alive and in the flesh. We will see His risen and glorified body. On that great day, we will be raised from death, as He was raised. Our bodies will be transformed in glory. Until that day we still want to be like Jesus, but when He comes back, we will see Him as He is, and we will be like Him — forever.Prayer: Jesus, I will be like You in eternity but help me to be like You today, too. Amen.Reflect: How can you be like Jesus today?

Because I live, you also will live.John 14:19bIt was a tough year. My husband of 58 years died; my brother, my only sibling, died; and my step-granddaughter's mother died. My step-granddaughter is only 22 years old. A dear friend died in that time, too. One of my favorite songs, "Morning Has Broken," paints a picture of paradise when the world was new, and God saw that it was good. I can imagine a picture of my dear ones holding hands in that sunrise light — washed clean, forgiven, redeemed, and standing in heaven's joy. And then, as the hymn, "For All the Saints," says, "the King of Glory passes on His way." That picture is glowing in my mind's eye. Christians, believing in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, have resurrection hope. Loved ones' lives on earth, filled with joys and sorrows, have ended, and they now live in a perfect forever. The tough year has had a happy ending. Alleluia.Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart, knowing we will live one day with You in paradise. Amen.Reflect: Sketch out how you picture heaven for you and your loved ones.

The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.Psalm 146:8bAs I age, I have a hard time admitting my limitations. I recently sat on the floor (my first mistake), reading to my granddaughter. Afterward, I groaned as I tried to stand up. Hearing me struggle, my granddaughter reached out her hand saying, "I'll help you up, Grandma." I was grateful for the help but humbled by the reality check.The experience reminded me of other limitations. I am a fallen sinner with no ability to fix my predicament myself. There is no use being in denial! Instead, I can humble myself before Jesus, repent of my sins, and take hold of His hand. He mercifully lifts me up and restores me, making me whole again — righteous to stand before God. All of this is because He humbled Himself, dying in my place, and rising again to give me new life.Sandi GeisPrayer: Jesus, help me admit my guilt and humbly receive Your forgiveness and grace. Amen.Reflect: When you struggle, look for Jesus' outstretched hand. He's there to lift you up.Read: Psalm 32:1-5 | 1 John 1:8-9

Because I live, you also will live.John 14:19bLike my wife, Lois, her sister, Marilyn, was raised in church and taught God's Word and His love. Unfortunately, Marilyn suffered from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, kidney problems, and cancer. These afflictions caused her to be extremely angry, hateful, and potentially violent. Yet, her faith was there, accumulating many Bibles and religious books. When her cancer reemerged and she stopped dialysis, Marilyn began to die. Lois then asked Marilyn if she knew where she was going and Marilyn responded that she was going to heaven. In spite of her years of illness, Marilyn knew she was a child of God. Their parents, by the power of the Holy Spirit, taught their daughters not just how to live but how to die. When Marilyn died, Lois knew that Marilyn was, finally, whole and free of pain and anger. Marilyn is happy and at peace.Prayer: Dear Father, help each of us to know that in death we have a new life awaiting us in Your Son, Jesus. Amen.Reflect: From what pain and sorrow will your new life free you?

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.2 Corinthians 4:16As a senior, I find that my schedule consists of routine doctor appointments and unplanned visits to hospital emergency rooms. In my spare time, I go to the pharmacy and my fitness center. This is not the retirement that I had in mind. Traveling to London, England, to visit friends was previously a goal of mine.Today, I live in a city to be close to an excellent healthcare system. I had dreamed of a lakeside home near a small town. There, I had intended to pursue fishing, swimming, and boating.Although my life has changed, I do not despair. Instead, I am grateful to be alive. Just as Jesus relied on His Father for help, I trust in God. He is my Creator and the source of my hope.Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being with me at this stage of my journey to eternal life. Amen.Reflect: How is God calling you to grow spiritually at this stage of your life?

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?Luke 12:25 NIV"The test proved inconclusive," the doctor explained. "A follow-up scan will reveal if a true concern exists." Most, if not all of us, have experienced the difficult days or weeks of waiting for medical results. What often fills the gap? Worry! Worry is a common human response.Jesus reminds us that our worrying will not affect test results nor extend our lifespan. In fact, when measured against God's good plan for us, our worrying always falls short. No matter what scenarios our minds conjure up, they can't compete with our almighty Lord who walks with us each day. Our omniscient God knows our needs and has secured our future, no matter what the outcome. So cast your cares on Him today.Prayer: Holy Lord, my future is in Your hands. Help me to trust You each day. Amen.Reflect: What worries you today? Give each concern to Jesus in prayer.

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.Psalm 25:4At one point in college, I felt aimless and confused, at a loss determining the direction for my life. Now in retirement, after many blessed years as an international Christian educator, I've re-read my diaries. They reveal a history of Spirit-filled mentorship. As a public-school student, I was naïve about the Holy Spirit's influence through family, friends, church workers, and others.These mentors led me to His truths and taught me His paths. How effectively God surrounded me with His specially chosen people to teach me these foundational truths! Grounded in Scripture, secure in their own Christian faith, they were remarkable instruments of God's resurrection power in action! Because of their abiding faith working through God's love, my life has been blessed in ways I never expected!Prayer: O Lord, thank You for those who taught me to know Your ways and have led me to prayerfully follow Your paths. Amen.Reflect: Give thanks for the individuals God placed in your life to help you discover your identity in Christ.Read: Psalm 145:4 | Ephesians 3:16-19

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.Mark 15:38This was no ordinary curtain. Scholars say it measured 60 feet high, 30 feet wide, and four inches thick. It separated the sinful people from our holy God in the Holy of Holies. Once each year, on Yom Kippur, only the High Priest would go behind the curtain to plead with God for forgiveness on behalf of the people. But on that first Good Friday, immediately after Jesus breathed His last, that huge temple curtain was miraculously torn by God Himself from the top to the bottom. Why? God declared through this symbolic event that He was totally satisfied with the life and death of Jesus as a substitute for all sins for all time.Our journey is now a walk with the living Jesus. With Jesus as our advocate, we carry our petitions of praise, adoration, worries, and pleas for forgiveness to His throne of grace.Prayer: Jesus, You are and always will be my advocate with the Father. Thank You! Amen.Reflect: Imagine the height of the curtain by viewing a building that is 60 feet (six stories) tall.

I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.John 14:2b-3Judy and her old neighbor sipped coffee and perused the real estate ads. "It takes time to buy a house," Judy mused. "We'll have to find a place to stay in the meantime.""We have a place for you," the neighbor said. "Our children are gone; we have empty bedrooms. You and your husband can stay with us." Jesus told His disciples of rooms in His Father's house, rooms He was preparing for them as a bridegroom prepared rooms for his bride. The Lord promised to return and personally take them to those rooms to live with Him forever. When you feel discouraged, lost, or afraid of the future, Jesus speaks these words to you: "I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3).Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your promise of a place for me with You forever. Amen.Reflect: Jesus has prepared a place for you. How does that truth shape your view of death?

My niece, Grace, married Christian earlier this year. The pastor centered his message on the fact that without grace, we couldn’t be Christians. Pretty much every story in the Old Testament has a similar plot line. God lavishes humans with abundant grace and provisions; they soon forget that God is the One who provides for them, and they fall away from Him. They struggle until they realize their need for God and repent, and He, in His great love, saves them again and again. As we celebrate this Easter season, the plot finally has a mind- blowing twist. God Himself is the sacrifice for our sin cycle, and it is broken once and for all. We are free to live in the grace that Jesus won for us.

Every day, we step into a new world, for no two days are the same. No matter how routine our lives, God can bring about a new perspective, a new hope, a new vision. The resurrection of Christ changed everything, but the newness isn’t always obvious. Perhaps it’s a new appreciation of heaven or simply a grateful heart for caregivers who tirelessly oversee our well- being. It may be the excitement of knowing we are going HOME soon, or joy in seeing another great-grandchild born. Newness of life is the result of Christ in us. Through Him, we infect others with smiles, words, and actions. By the Spirit’s power, others are enabled to view our peace, joy, and hope. Open your eyes to the “newness of life” today and do your best to share it.

Do worry, fear, and anxiety restrict your travel as you age? Are you limited to viewing scrapbooks and digital pictures of past trips when you were younger and stronger? What role does God play in your physical travel? In Luke 24, two disciples on the road to Emmaus walked with slumped shoulders — without hope and alone. And yet the stranger who joined them was the crucified and risen Jesus! Chiding their unbelief, He opened to them the Scriptures concerning Himself. Only when He broke bread with them were their eyes opened to recognize their risen Christ. Immediately with joy, they were on the road again to Jerusalem with a spring in their steps. How about your continuing spiritual road?

As we age and more close relatives are welcomed home by our loving Father’s embrace, we, too, may think about our end-of-life service. Is it a funeral service? A memorial service? A celebration-of-life service? A coronation service? To answer, I re-read my confirmation verse, Revelation 2:10b, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Through daily repentance, we reaffirm our relationship with our loving Father. He calls us His children, princes and princesses of the King. And so, I believe my end-of-life service should read, “The Coronation Service of Louise Schini Weber.” But it’s interesting wording, isn’t it? It is only because of God’s overwhelming love for us that we will wear the crown of life!

What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.1 Corinthians 15:36bThe grass seeds were sown, and my husband and I nursed our aching bodies after a long day of work. Each day, I peered among the straw looking for sprouts. Not yet. The watering and waiting went on. The seeds had to “die” before the sprouts could appear.After the crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples mourned. Afraid for their lives, they locked the door when they met (John 20:19). It was while they huddled behind a locked door that Jesus appeared. Alive! Bearing the marks of the crucifixion! This Jesus walked through a locked door. He had risen from burial like the seed He had spoken of in John 12:24 — first the death, then the growth and fruition. He was the first. Through Hisvictory, we partake in the paradox of dying in order to gain heaven.Prayer: Dear Jesus, You are our hope and our resurrection. Thank You for being the first. Amen.Reflect: See how the miracle of God’s seed grows. Itis God’s gift of life here and hereafter.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.Psalm 51:17When we read much of the Old Testament, we mightbe tempted to think that all God wants is sacrifice, burnt offerings, and obedience. But if we read the Bible more carefully, we see that sacrifice, offerings, and obedience mean nothing without a humble, faith-filled heart.God sees the sinful, diseased heart and offers the onlymedicine which will make it whole. The broken and contrite heart is healed by God’s forgiveness through the once-and- for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We come to God in repentance and faith, and He welcomesus gladly. Now, we bring the offering of a life lived as one of God’s created, redeemed, loved children. We seek to live as God’s people live rather than thinking our actions contribute to our salvation.Prayer: Gracious God, draw me close to You, and heal me. Amen.Reflect: Write down one of your sins. Ask God’sforgiveness, rip up the paper, and toss it out.

And all the people went their way … to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.Nehemiah 8:12Spring arrives with reasons for great rejoicing — Easter and Pentecost, warmer weather and longer days. In today’s verse, it may not have been spring, but God’s people were filled with great rejoicing. Nehemiah records a day when the people assembled to hear Ezra read aloud from the Book of the Law of Moses (God’s Word). Other leaders explained the words, “so that the people understood the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8b). At first, people grieved over their failings, but Nehemiah assured them that their holy God loved them. Today, we still need to understandGod’s Word, so that we don’t grieve over failure to keep God’s Law but rejoice over God’s grace. “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).Marj MaynardPrayer: Lord, send Your Spirit to help me understand and rejoice over Your Word. Amen.Reflect: Find joy for the journey as you grow inunderstanding God’s Word.Read: Psalm 118:24 | Acts 13:44-49 | Nehemiah 8:12

Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.Luke 10:42bAs retirees, we enjoy talking to our friends at church, but if someone calls us about making a visit, we groan and quickly straighten up our house. Martha was straightening when Jesus came for a visit. However, she noticed that Mary wasn’t helping, so shegroaned at both Jesus and Mary. Jesus explained that He wasn’t making a social call, but He visited them to share God’s Word, and He praised Mary for listening to Him. In the same way, when we participate in devotions and prayers, Jesus prepares our hearts by making sure we put aside other thoughts. Then, we are ready to hear His Word and apply it to our lives. Special things happen in our little visits with God!Prayer: Dear Jesus, prepare my heart so that I’m ready to hear Your Word. Amen.Reflect: Consider the times when you have devotions. Are you prepared for Jesus’ visits?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD.Jeremiah 29:11aOur pastor friend, Al, 93 years old, admits to having occasional episodes of sadness. That happens to us older folks at times as we experience the changing seasons of life. Al says, “So, when I wake up in the morning, I ask the question, ‘What’s this day for?’” It’s partially a prayer, partially an honest inquiry.In spite of the temptation to believe that there is nothing new under the sun, Jeremiah’s declaration is filled with excitement and purpose. God has plans for you! The God who gave His life for you in Jesus Christ invites you to join Him on a daily journey of discipleship. Ask sometime: “What is your purpose for me this day, Lord? What’s this day for?” God may give you a surprising answer!Prayer: Lord of all time, fill my days with Your purpose. Amen.Reflect: As you get ready for tomorrow, ask, “What’sthis day for?” Wait for God’s answer.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.Hebrews 11:1When I was in college, I was once sitting in a hallway between classes. An elderly, retired member of the clergy came down the hall. “Hello, how are you?” he asked. “I’m studying for a test today that I don’t think I’ll pass, so I’m discouraged,” I said.“Oh, you can’t despair,” he said. “Satan wants you to give up on God for help.” I realized that he was right. Since then, I have always tried to be hopeful. I have also prayed more frequently and sincerely.Jesus faced many challenges in His life. He was betrayed, humiliated, persecuted, and even crucified. God understands that we feel like giving up when we face trials. We can rejoice in knowing that He always cares for us.Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for teaching us how to enjoy this life and prepare for our eternal one with You. Amen.Reflect: What has helped you overcome disappointment? Share your idea with someone.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us intriumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.2 Corinthians 2:14The chatter among the grief support group was musicto our ears. Eight weeks earlier, some couldn’t introduce themselves or share about their spouse without crying. Our sessions together built a community. One widow said, “I know I’m not alone.” Facilitators didn’t want them to cover up grief but use tools to acknowledge their grief and to walk with Jesus in it. God met each one through prayer, Scripture, meaningful conversations, and encouragement. He kept His promise to be the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).Can the fragrance of Christ in you surround a grieverthrough prayer, Scripture, sharing a memory, or a visit? Grief is personal and you may not relate to their loss, but you can give them the ministry of presence and caring.Prayer: Dear Jesus, thanks for Your comfort through Your Word and people. Amen.Reflect: How can God use you to spread the fragrance of Christ?

Last year was medically challenging. I had five heart surgeries, four pacemakers installed, pneumonia, bronchitis, bacterial infection, muscle atrophy, and COVID-19. Treating the bacterial infection required 4,000 milliliters of antibiotics daily for two weeks. As a result, I received physical, occupational, and speech therapy. I had to learn a new way to breathe to rebuild the muscles in my voice box that had gone into atrophy. Yes, there were times I wondered if I would come home ever again. But I never lost hope that I was in the hands of the great Physician who was partnering with all of the medical specialists to make me well again. My times were in the hands of my Savior. I developed an acrostic that reminds me of the hope I have in the power, mercy, and grace of God, who is able to heal all our diseases. It goes like this: Help Over Problems Expected.

After decades of reading and appreciating Psalm 23, a word recently jumped out at me that made me appreciate it even more. That word is the simple preposition “through.” It indicates that we don’t STAY in the valley of the shadow of death, but we pass through it and come out on the other side. And we have God walking through that valley as our guide — the God who became a human, suffered, died, and Himself experienced the valley of the shadow of death. Because we know He didn’t stay in that valley, we know we won’t either! My paraphrase of this verse is: YAY! Though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil!

These weeks after Easter are a joyous time. Such a great time of worship celebrating Christ’s triumph! The season can also bring quiet moments of contemplation as we consider the loss the disciples felt after Jesus’ burial and even later following His ascension. We know something of loss. It can be personal, as with a spouse, friend, or family member. Or it can be other things like a loss of mobility, memory, financial stability, normalcy, and control. Sometimes, this sense of loss leads to fear and loneliness. The shadows daily hang over us. Take heart! That same Jesus who appeared to His disciples — comforting, promising hope and His Spirit — comes to us continuously in His Word, the Sacraments, and in conversation with Christian friends. God is faithful; through Baptism He lives within us, His Easter light shining brightly. Alleluia!

After a long, dark winter in northern Indiana, the first day of spring is welcomed. Daylight comes earlier and lasts longer. The sunshine warms the days. Crocuses and daffodils begin to break through the frosted ground with an invitation to watch as their blooms burst forth with the colors of spring. Nature is working in harmony to share the coming of spring and new life. I cherish the coming of spring. The spring sunshine is a dependable and daily reminder of how God warms my heart with His love. His sunlight also shines during my dark times, announcing that He is present. His light becomes my strength, knowing He guides my life with His constant, loving care.

And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?”Mark 14:37When I was young, I fell asleep during a Lenten service. What added to my embarrassment was that when I woke up, I noticed that my Sunday school teacher was sitting right behind me. It is recorded in all the Gospels that, at Gethsemane, Jesus asked Peter to stay awake, watch, and pray. Yet this bold disciple fell asleep, not once, but three times. Each time he woke up to see not his Sunday school teacher, but Jesus, his Lord. How embarrassed Peter must have felt!As seniors, we may also experience embarrassment as we unintentionally doze off during evening Lenten services or during the sunrise Easter service. At these times, we remember that Jesus is an understanding, loving God who took all our embarrassing sins to the cross.Stan TordsenPrayer: Lord, help me stay awake to focus on You. Amen.Reflect: Share your memories of a Lenten, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter service.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7Am I a cheerful giver to others of what God has graciously given to me? Is He beaming forth when I cook, clean, volunteer, donate, listen, babysit, forgive, or give hugs? After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus reminds us, “that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15b), showing humility and a servant heart. A cheerful giver generously reflects the grace and goodness given to them by God.“Make haste to help me!” (Psalm 70:1b) is a perfect prayer to start your day. Request God’s assistance to extend His love to others. Every action requires energy, time, thought, and initiative, so we pray that the Holy Spirit empowers us to display God’s generosity.Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, mold my heart and mind to Your will. Make haste to help me reflect Your love by being a cheerful giver. Amen.Reflect: Recall a time when you gladly gave of yourself, even when it was unfavorable for you.

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”Luke 8:48My friend is on a health journey that she and her husband didn’t expect to take. But then, life rarely happens without a curve ball or two thrown in. She’s meeting the challenges head-on. Her husband is very supportive, but I can see a “what if” scenario forming from the way he talks. Their journey together is inspiring. When he doubts, she’s right there with a positive belief in Jesus to set him straight. Her faith gets her through her own issues. When she feels despair, prayer gets them both going again. In Luke 8, the woman reached out her hand to touch Jesus’ cloak. Her persistent faith kept her going through difficult times, with perseverance to keep on keeping on. She was healed through her faith in Jesus. My friend is comforted with the knowledge that her faith will also heal her, either with earthly health or heavenly life with Jesus.Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for the gift of faith to help us throughout life. Amen.Reflect: Read Hebrews 11:1 slowly and thoughtfully ponder each word.

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.1 Corinthians 6:19b-20aIt was time to get rid of our old sofa bed, but we couldn’t sell it. We couldn’t even give it away. No thrift store wanted it. We finally paid a (costly) junk dealer to haul it away.It’s even harder to get rid of the junk of our sin and guilt. The price to get rid of it is beyond our human comprehension. And no one wants it — except for Jesus. Out of His limitless love for us, He absorbed the entire cost of our wrongs and failures — and offers in exchange the gift of His full and free forgiveness for us.But it was costly for Jesus. We were bought with a price far beyond anything we could hope to pay. It cost Him suffering beyond what we can imagine. Jesus literally went through hell for us, so we might live with Him forever.Prayer: Precious Savior, we praise You for exchanging the junk of our sin for Your priceless gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. Amen.Reflect: Give thanks each day with a grateful heart for a divine love beyond our human comprehension.Read: 1 Peter 3:18-22 and Hebrews 12:1-3

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth … your life is hidden with Christ in God.Colossians 3:2-3bI play with words and find little treasures. For example, there’s unity in community, and we hear with our ears and listen with our hearts. The treasure: When we listen to the Word of God in our hearts, we come together as a community in unity with our Savior Jesus Christ.There’s more treasure. God’s love has been revealed to us in His Word made flesh — Jesus in His mission, His passion and crucifixion, and His resurrection. “God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him” (1 John 4:9b). In Christ, we are transformed!Internalizing the Lord’s love, our love for Him and for one another deepens. We become instruments of His peace, mercy, and compassion. By loving and serving others, we respond to Christ’s love for us. What a treasure!Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen my heart so that I may abound in love for You and others. Amen.Reflect: Discover the Lord’s treasures in your life and share them with those around you.Read: Matthew 13:44-53 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.Luke 24:39bSocial media can spark quarrels and questions. Is the onscreen information true or false? News reporters do fact checks before they repeat information gathered online. Artificial intelligence adds to the controversy. Is it a real person on the screen or an AI-generated image? Can we believe what we see?Jesus’ disciples needed a fact check. When the risen Savior came to them, they did not believe what they were seeing. Maybe He was a ghost! Jesus gave them the proof they needed. He showed them His nail-scarred hands and feet. He invited their touch. Jesus was and is alive, in the flesh. The disciples’ eyewitness accounts provide us with the fact check. By faith we know the truth, and it is good news to share with the world. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! We believe it!Prayer:Jesus, lead me to opportunities to share the good news of Your death and resurrection. Amen.Reflect: Share the eyewitness report of the resurrection with someone today!

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.James 5:7aA grainy photograph from 1972 shows my sisters and me standing stiffly in front of our little New England house. The lace from our Easter dresses peeks from beneath our winter coats, and a single purple crocus blooms in the slushy snow at our feet. In South Carolina, where I live now, yellow forsythia, pink tulip trees, and Lady Banks roses adorn our Easter landscape.Regardless of the variety, or whether they bloom in the frosty snow or the gentle sunshine, spring flowers embody hope. “Spring is coming!” they seem to say. The earth resounds with the promise of Easter: “Jesus is coming! He came long ago, and He’s coming again!” Like confetti in a heavenly parade, the pastels of spring remind us that we are inching ever closer to Jesus’s glorious return.Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for sprinkling our world with reminders of You. Amen.Reflect: Which parts of spring make you think most of Jesus’ resurrection and second coming?

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.John 19:30Think of a time when you said, “It is finished.” Maybe it was finishing a 100-thousand-piece puzzle. Maybe you finally found something that you lost. Maybe you finished a long vacation. What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”? Did it mean He was finished and died? Well, Jesus was not really finished. He died on the cross, but He was alive on the third day. His life was not finished.With those words, Jesus indicated that His sacrifice for the sins of all people was finished. No more need to sacrifice animals. Jesus came alive on the third day and continues to live forever. His life is never finished, and neither is the life of a person who believes that Jesus is the sacrifice for sin and that His resurrection means life eternal. Faith in Jesus will never mean a finish.Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice on the cross and Your rising to life and giving me a life that has no finish. Amen.Reflect: Life in Christ has no finish. Do you believe it? Do you share it with others?Read: John 3:16 and John 20:31

And after you have suffered for but a little while, the God of all grace … will restore.1 Peter 5:10aKnee replacement was on my agenda this past year. Off with the old joint, on with the new, and then I’d walk painlessly. I was unprepared for the post-operative “in- between pain” — constant, aching, searing, recuperative pain. Replacing the old with the new, in surgery as in life, can require in-between pain. Wrongly, we often assume painless change. Jesus knew something about in-between pain. From Maundy Thursday through Good Friday, unrelenting pain! We ask, “Why did God allow this to happen to Him?” It was because of us and our sinful distancing from God. But then, Easter! In-between pain was over! New life had replaced the old forever. It was worth the wait! Next time you are walking through the valley of in-between pain, remember the Lord who has been before you, is beside you, and awaits you on the other side of in-between pain.Prayer:Suffering Lord, remind me of Your pain as I experience mine. Amen.Reflect: Recall a previous surgery. What was recuperation like? How did the pain impact you?Read: 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 1 Peter 5

Thin as paper, fragile as Kleenex tissue — that’s my “mature” man’s skin. But the Christian’s spiritual, emotional, and psychological “skin” is toughened by Good Friday’s nails. Our Jesus is bloodied for all, by scourging, a thorny crown, and piercing nails. Victorious Jesus is raised for everybody on the third day. Holy Week is not a case of thin skin or “skin,” but rather a resolute, loving forgiveness for a world of enemies and very few friends. Who can love like this? Only the Son who is perfectly confident of His love and heaven itself. Only Jesus! We are people of the cross, of the tomb, of the resurrection, and of the future. Our “skin” will be injured by enemies and friends, alike. We are to be confident of Jesus’ love and heaven itself. Yes, forgive even “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

Easter is hope, renewal, and new life. Hope sustains us through painful experiences and the fear of what the future may hold. In our world where people face poverty, disease, and hunger, we need a living and dynamic hope. Believers are blessed with a living hope through Christ’s resurrection. As believers, our living hope is solid and secure because Jesus is our salvation. Our Christian hope gives us the ability to look beyond our circumstances, which may seem hopeless. Our hope is in Jesus because He is the foundation for what we believe. Christian hope is the confident expectation that God will fulfill all His promises to us. It is not wishful thinking but a virtue based on faith through Christ’s resurrection. Christian hope is a confidence that something will come to pass because God has promised it will come to pass.

When David wrote Psalm 16, did he have any idea about life after death? From whom would he have received instruction? Yet, he writes that he will not be abandoned to the grave or see decay but instead enter the path of life with its eternal pleasures. His assertion of faith, 1,000 years before Christ’s death and resurrection, prompts us to realize what a benefit we have by knowing that 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born, He died on the cross, He rose from the dead, and He proclaimed victory for all believers. David’s vision of life after death has been fulfilled in the fullness of time. Let us revel in the blessings He has given us in the assurance of eternal life. His resurrection has fulfilled God’s promise through St. Paul that “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Wearing new clothes on Easter is a tradition in my family. Dressing our best to worship our risen Savior seems appropriate, yet it’s not the clothes we purchase ourselves that matter. It’s the new clothes we’re given by Jesus that really count — clothes of gladness, unstained by sin. Our sin produced for us a wardrobe tattered with rebellion, grief, fear, and heavy burdens. Though God calls us to put on the sackcloth of repentance, as we are reminded to do in Lent, we cannot clean ourselves up. Only Jesus can. He clothes us with garments of praise that He purchased for us with His own blood. Jesus makes us presentable to stand before God as children without blemish — until the day Jesus returns to give us our matching crown to wear eternally.

Vigil: a time of watchful waiting. Haven’t we all kept vigil at times? Waiting for word about that new job? A purchase offer? Test results? Some have kept vigil at the bedside of a dying loved one. What agony the disciples must have felt as they kept fearful vigil, most at a distance, at Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, and then waiting for whatever would come next. Imagine the joy of what came next: the resurrected Christ with them in the flesh! This joy is ours, too! No matter what losses we have in this life, they are nothing compared to the riches of living eternally with Jesus. His promise fills our vigil with eager anticipation as we await His return. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

When I think about my husband’s death, I thank God that Rod didn’t endure ongoing pain. The medications dulled his agony. But he did suffer initially, and we were traumatized as we watched him die. I wonder if Mary experienced shock and anger when she watched her Son being beaten and nailed to the cross. Rod’s demise was in no way equal to Jesus’ torture and murder. He wasn’t Jesus. Jesus carried the sins of millions of people on His shoulders and knew His fate even before the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knew that He would be beaten and betrayed. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus loves us so much that He took upon Himself the weight of our sins and forgives them “yesterday and today and forever.” His crown of thorns became our crown of glory.

When the Lord God created humans, He first provided for and talked with them in a garden — the Garden of Eden. It was there that they found peace and communication. Gardens are indeed a place of comfort and tranquility. It is no wonder that Jesus, on the eve of His impending death on the cross, journeyed to another garden that He often frequented — the Garden of Gethsemane. He needed to talk with His Father about the events that lay ahead and receive the assurance that this was indeed the right course of action to fulfill His mission. We have spent the last six weeks of Lent “journeying with Jesus” as He sets His eyes upon the cross. Let us now join Him in the garden where He unloads the burden that He has been given and seeks the Father’s comfort and power. Where do you go to communicate with our Father? He is ready and eager to listen and share His guidance, wisdom, and strength. He enthusiastically welcomes those times.

The disciples directed this statement to their Teacher, Jesus, as He was telling them what was going to happen in the next several days. It was hard for them to grasp the details of His passion that would soon unfold. Like them, we may find it difficult to grasp God’s characteristic of omniscience — knowing everything. Much of our personal information is now being gathered through AI, Artificial Intelligence. But God’s Almighty Intelligence is not artificial. It’s the real thing. He knows everything! He knows our needs, our concerns, and our doubts. He created us; He loves us. We say in the words of David, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Rather than being overwhelmed by how much God knows about us, we can rest assured in the confidence that He loves us, protects us, and wants only what’s best for us.

At an art show several years ago, I purchased a cross pendant cut from an antique flow blue plate. Its cobalt hue often attracts attention when I wear it. Unfortunately (or perhaps not), it bears a scarcely detectable line of glue where it was dropped and broken. It has occurred to me that perhaps I should point out the faint line of repair when people comment on my necklace. I, too, was broken. WE are broken. Only Jesus, through His cross, can restore us and make us new. His scars redeem our own and make our lives beautiful. My broken cross pendant could provide a conversational bridge to other broken people!

I look forward to the change of seasons. This year I added a fifth one which I call the road construction season. Since road repairs must be finished before winter, summer travels have been altered. As I write this devotion, major bridges are being rebuilt. Road closures and detour signs make travel slow and frustrating. Our lives are similar at times. Just when we think we’ve mapped out our future, circumstances cause us to go in a different direction. Problems with aging, health issues, or moving to a new home can become stressful obstacles. During road construction we follow the signs, but during life changes we have a 24-hour GPS, our Heavenly Father! Whatever lies ahead, we can trust Him to help and guide us.

Nunc Coepi (pronounced “cheppy”) is a Latin phrase that comes from Psalm 77. It means, “Now I begin,” and was popularized by an 18th-century Italian, Catholic priest, Venerable Bruno Lanteri. Fr. Lanteri wrote, “If I should fall even a thousand times a day, a thousand times, with peaceful repentance, I will say immediately, Nunc Coepi, now I begin again.” What a blessing it would be if we could see life in that way! Dead ends would mean detours. Closed doors would be new directions. Failures would become learning opportunities. As we approach Easter this year, we are reminded of the path to the empty tomb: from Palm Sunday through Good Friday, from defeat to a victory that will remain forever. Because of His death and resurrection, we can confidently say, “Now I begin again — Nunc Coepi!” God bless your new beginnings.

I woke up on my 80th birthday to find the world spinning like a wild amusement park ride! I had never had vertigo before, and this experience lasted 10 days. I came to find out that it is caused by the tiny crystals in the ear canal ending up in the wrong place. So tiny that the doctor said he couldn’t see them on the CT scan, and yet big enough to upend my physical world. It made me realize that “little” things we do, or don’t do, can upend our spiritual world, too. Becoming haphazard about daily devotions, forgetting to pray for a friend, passing over the chance to tell someone about Jesus, neglecting to thank God for a small blessing ... are just a few things that can make our spiritual world seem out of control.

Regardless of age, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves in a gloomy mood, feeling agitated or unfocused. But after some self-reflection, we recognize that we might be lonely, tired, anxious, or physically ill. So, we try to change what we can: take a walk or nap, pray for a fresh attitude, participate in a group activity, or schedule a checkup with our doctor! Christ, the Great Physician, can heal both our bodies and our souls. Compassionate doctors are great blessings. Engaging with others helps replace troublesome thoughts with pleasant conversation. Shifting our focus to seek comfort through prayer, for ourselves and others, puts our minds at ease. We can rely on God to renew our hearts and minds. He will lead and guide us in ways good for us. He is still our Good Shepherd, still caring for us and loving us.