CHANGE

Change is always with us. I began this blog nine years ago on April 6th and wrote then about Change. Today I’m making another Change. I’m taking a long vacation from my blog - probably a permanent vacation. I need to simplify my life and this step will help. It’s a hard decision as I have enjoyed writing my blog and knowing that a few people at least were gaining ideas or even help from the information I shared. 

Nine years is a long time. My life on earth is probably going to end before April 6^th of 2030. I’m looking forward to winding up my days here in meaningful ways and I’m looking forward to eternity in heaven! It will be amazing to spend eternity in the presence of almighty God. If you don’t believe so see my book reviews on books about heaven! (Click on the word heaven in LABELS to the right of this.) Also you can pick any topic any time to read more. The blog will stay on line for another decade I would think!

I hope that my blogs have been true to the heart and mind of God in Christ Jesus. I pray that all who have read my blog will continue to seek God, deepen their faith in Christ and follow his guidance. Don’t miss the blessings of knowing and loving Him.

“This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given to us by Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 4:19

Blessings, Dottie

Resurrection Doubt? No, He's Alive!

Christ the Lord has risen! He's alive! Do we believe this? The disciples spent three years with Jesus, living and learning from Him. They saw the healings and miracles and knew He was the Messiah. But they didn't expect Him to die. They witnessed His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, though some ran away and hid. Some helped bury Him. Then they hid together and grieved.

Three days later they saw Him! Can you grasp the surprise, amazement, and yet belief in their voices?  

Mary said, "I have seen the Lord! (John 20:18) She knew it was Him!     

The two men on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Him until He broke the bread and revealed Himself to them. They said, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32) Their hearts burned within them even before they recognized Him. Does your heart burn within you in His presence?

Thomas wouldn't believe the reports of the other disciples until he saw Jesus a week later. Then he said, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) I imagine he said this with a hushed and humble voice. He may have even bowed before him. Wouldn't you? Do you now?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most essential doctrine of the church. Any who don't believe this truth are denying Jesus, Christianity and Scripture.  He said He was the Son of God. (Luke 22:70) He said He would rise from the dead. (Luke 18:33) And He did. He said He would return and He will. (Matthew 24:30) What a marvelous faith we have.  

Blessings, Dottie

The Events of Holy Week

We will be blessed if we read, study, meditate and pray about the events of this Holy Week as recorded in Scripture. I’m listing the events of Sunday through Friday. Meditate on His life as you read through these events.

Jesus “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem occurred on Sunday with Jesus riding on a donkey fulfilling Zechariah 9:9’s prophesy. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” See Matt 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19.

On Monday Jesus is anointed (for burial) at Bethany (John 12:1-9) and he clears the temple of the money changers. (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48)

On Tuesday His authority is questioned. Matt. 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8. And Jesus teaches in the temple. Matt. 21:28-23:39, Mark 12:1-44, Luke 20:9-21:4.

On Wednesday Judas plots against Jesus. Matt. 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6

On Thursday Jesus and His disciples eat the Passover meal, the Last Supper, the first Communion. Matt. 26:17-29, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:7-38, John 13:1-38. Jesus says to his disciples “This is my body, broken for you, do this in remembrance of me.” In John 14:1-16:33, He comforts the disciples, and in John 17:1-26 He gives His high priestly prayer, praying for them and for us – for our unity in Him.

In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus sweat blood and tears. Matt. 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:40-46 He prayed “Let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.”

Then he’s arrested and tried – Matthew 26:47-27:26, Mark 14:43-15:15, Luke 22:47-23:25, John 18:2-19:16. Pilate said, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Luke 23:4

On Friday he’s crucified – Matt. 27:27-56, Mark 15:16-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:17-37. Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34  And He’s buried – Matt. 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42 Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for Jesus body. “Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock.” Luke 23:53

This is a holy week with much to ponder about Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Blessings in Christ, Dottie

Life After Death: The Evidence

This book seems fitting for all of us to read during this lenten season

Life After Death: The Evidence 

by Dinesh D’Souza

This is an amazing book. Dinesh D’Souza explores in detail near death experiences, modern physics, biology/evolution, neuroscience, philosophy, morality, and practical reason to show that death is not the end of life. The chapter on neuroscience interested me especially. It showed that “the realm of subjective experience lies outside its domain and outside the domain of objective science altogether. Two features of the mind – consciousness and free will – define the human soul. These features seem to operate outside the laws of nature and therefore are not subject to the laws governing the mortality of the body. The body dies but the soul lives on.” Pg.270 

Each chapter is fascinating and detailed. The final chapters of the book present clear reasons to show that the resurrection of Jesus was real and true and changed history in its tracks. D’Souza also explains the choice between hell and heaven which we all must make. Read this book and learn there is life after death! And seek him if you do not know him.

"I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and eveyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26

Blessings, Dottie