Tag Archives: #Easter

Interrupted Stillness

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The everyday stillness hovered over the room where the eleven remaining disciples hid. Other believers lingered as well. Sabbath had been observed, and a new day dawned. Time to get back to work? But where? A fishing boat? That reputation was long-gone. It was abandoned to follow Jesus.

There was a quiet stir among them as the men began to rise. Peter again paced and wrung his hands. James and John sharpened their swords. How quickly they shifted back into old habits – into battle mode – from three years of learning of peace, love, and forgiveness. No one said a word. The plans and assumptions, laced with fear, had dominated the conversation for the last 48 hours. They will come for us next; we have to be ready. No, Jesus said he’d come back in three days, right? That’s what he said. Did he specifically say three days? How is that possible? The tomb is sealed; guards are there and everywhere. There was nothing left to say; now, just emotions wandered among them – anxiety, fear, and a little hope that Jesus would come back and rule the kingdom. That’s what he said, right?

Resurrection

A knock, no, a pounding on the door brought a collective fear to everyone’s hearts. Here we go, we’re next, they’ve come for us. No one moved. The pounding persisted. Authorities wouldn’t wait; they would have broken down the door.

James sheathed his sword and went to answer, ignoring the hushed “no” from the others. With one hand on his sword and the other on the door latch, he opened the door. Battle did not ensue, but it was the women who burst in, all talking at once. “You must come see. Jesus is gone. The tomb…the tomb is empty.” Excitement replaced hesitancy as the women exuberantly told of their dawn’s journey. We went to perform the burial ritual. We got there, and… there were angels… and the guards had fallen… the massive stone was rolled away… the tomb was open and EMPTY. You must come with us to see.

The men gathered up their cloaks, but Peter was already out the door.

Peter found the women’s story to be true. Unbelievable. The man walked right out of his grave!

Easter

Thousands of years later, we can walk out of our graves. The angst that traps us into a paralyzing stillness has no more power. The grave that traps us in the guilt of our sin and imperfections. The grave that keeps us from reaching for our dreams and living in hope. The darkness that taunts us even in the light of day. It’s all been overpowered by the God who provides life-giving strength. The God who is bigger than…you fill in the blank with the beast that chases you. The man walked out of his grave by the power of God, who overcomes all our graves.

Happy Easter – Resurrection Sunday. May today be our first steps into a journey of hope, forgiveness, and joy.

All the best,

KK

Luke 21 – 24.

The week began with cheers

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The week began with cheers and ended with jeers. But #Sunday came. The #resurrection was made sweeter – Jesus’ triumph over the grave made stronger – because of what Jesus endured in those seven days. None of us could have handled it.

If Jesus had come into this imperfect world and cruised through his 33 years without experiencing all human emotions – grief, sadness, dismay, joy, love…then recognizing Him as a Savior would be impossible. He was tempted in every way we have been, and resisted, yes, resisted every time because in his human weakness, He leaned into the Word. He was beaten and scourged for being who He was, and didn’t back down to please others.

Luke 19 gives an account of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people thought He came to overturn the earthly rule for one better. They welcomed Jesus with praise. By the end of the week, when Jesus didn’t wear a crown of gold, but one of thorns, the people turned. They sought the temporal satisfaction of an earthly king that would feed their bellies, when Jesus came to feed their souls. How many times do we do the same thing in our own spiritual journey? They thought Jesus would free them from oppression; He did, but not in a manner they could touch or feel. Jesus brought eternal freedom. Do we live our lives for the eternal?

I wonder if Good Friday (#GoodFriday) was the only time there were tears in heaven. Did the legions of angelic warriors weep as they waited…they hoped for…that the Father would send them for Jesus? The order was never given. The victory was to be God’s and God’s alone. Sunday was coming.

Sunday is coming. While we wait, embrace holy week, and all that the week reminds us.

All the best,

KK

The 40-day Journey

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Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of a 40-day journey toward #Easter. This time each year commemorates Christ’s 40 days in the desert, during which He fasted and prayed and perfectly refuted Satan’s temptations.

The Lenten Rose blooms around Easter.

For the Christian, this season is solemn, one of reflection and sacrifice. Lent-observing believers add Lenten spiritual disciplines such as fasting, reading a daily devotional, or prayer to prepare their hearts and draw closer to God.

At the end of Lent, we celebrate Easter, the picture of eternal hope. An empty tomb, the fulfillment of the prophecies that Christ would be crucified, die, and overcome death through resurrection.

When I think about what can be accomplished in 40 days, I’m reminded that it is said it takes 21 days to build a habit. That’s only half of our #Lenten season. If we choose to take up a spiritual discipline such as dedicated prayer time or reading scripture, in the 40 days, that discipline should become a spiritual habit. Positive spiritual habits can change the trajectory of our spiritual journey and our closeness to God.

We are all invited on this journey toward Easter. Join me. Choose something, a devotional, and read scripture every day. The Gospel of John is a good place to start. If you haven’t already, load the Bible app on your device for convenience. Or you may choose to fast something that distracts you from your spiritual journey. If you choose to fast eating, be careful of health issues that may be impacted. I’m not talking about being “hangry”; I’m referring to my friends and loved ones who are diabetic. That being said, giving up something you love to have every day, like your morning coffee. The goal of fasting is to take those moments when we miss that thing we’ve given up to look to the Lord either for strength or simply to recognize Him as our provider.

My prayer for those reading this post is that you will end the 40-day journey on Easter at your local church celebrating Christ’s triumph over the grave, and just as important, that He went to His torturous death to bring salvation for you and me. [Check out this video about Easter]

Drop me a comment below. I’d love to hear about your Lenten journey.

All the best,
KK

Let’s connect. If you haven’t already, please choose to follow KK’s Candor. To stay in touch with my writing adventures, you can find me on social media, @KHRWriter.

#GoodFriday

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It’s Good Friday. One of the darkest days in history. Or at least it was for those who lived it. We know what happens three days later, but the witnesses of the crucifixion weren’t sure. Those closest to Christ had left families, homes, and jobs to follow and serve him. There they stood hiding in the crowd or just hiding, clinging to all hope that what he told them was true. He would rise from the grave and make a better way for them and millions to follow throughout time. A better way. An eternal way.

Thinking in terms of eternity is so hard when we’re trying to navigate this world and the ups and downs it presents. It has been said that there are 365 “fear not” statements (or some form of do not be afraid) in the Bible. I’ve not counted them, but if there are, that’s one for each day of the year. Many times fear not is followed by comforting and reassuring words from or about God.

Here are just a few I found. What’s interesting is that while they are words of comfort, there is often a suggested action on the believer’s part. Words of encouragement have no power unless the recipient opens their mind and heart to them. Where is your heart as you read these:

“He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut. 31:8

“Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” Isa. 43:1

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isa 41:10

“Do not be afraid Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Daniel 10:12

“But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. “Don’t be afraid.”

“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.'”

Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted in times of unsureness. But the real key to taking in this verse is to go back to verse 10. It is there that we see that God is faithful and fulfills promises, but it’s in His time; when the time is right. I don’t know what makes the time right. Because God doesn’t function within the constraints of clocks and calendars, more than likely it’s a heart thing or having all the right people in the right place at a given time. Not a clue. So like I mentioned the other day, we just have to listen and expect to hear him and be ready to walk forward in faith.

That fateful Friday the earth shook, it was dark at noon, and nobody understood what was happening or when it would end. Ever felt that way?

Jesus felt that darkest hour when he cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Do you think the disciples were thinking the same of him? But then Christ “yielded” his soul. He gave up His life.

In our darkest hour, are we yielding our hearts to the will of God?  On this #GoodFriday yield your heart, bow your head and mourn for this world’s loss was eternity’s gain. Sunday will come literally and figuratively.

Jesus walked out of his own grave to solidify our hope in eternity and in promises about our time on earth that will be kept.

God Bless,

KK

Why did I give up soda pop for Lent?

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On February 26th I committed to sacrifice one of my favorite things for Lent-soda pop. Specifically, Coke Cola or any drink that had bubbles. Coke is the hardest though. But it is such a minor thing compared to what our #Savior gave up for me and you. And many, many times over the last month when I’ve really wanted to dive into the case of #Cokes in the garage, I have been reminded of His gift. It is preparing my heart and resetting my spirit.

Our last day in the office was March 13th. In observance of CDC recommendations, the NCFL leadership sent everyone home to work. It was the most generous thing they could do to keep us working and serving millions of families who are now essentially homeschooling their children. That was the weekend that I believe everyone went nuts in the groceries as if the worst snowstorm ever was about to hit. I get it, parents are home with their children and the number of meals you serve has increased. We are now eating all three meals at home.

We must monitor how much news we watch or it all can become overwhelming. Admittedly, I check the #COVID19 map everyday praying and hoping the curve will start to flatten. I hope that all these extra make-shift hospitals won’t be used. Just give me something!

It’s in those moments when I’m feeling most discouraged that I wonder why I chose this year to give up soda pop? Someone recently told me that the crisis we are in is no surprise to God. He knew on February 26th what was coming for me and all of us, and still He laid it on my heart to sacrifice. When I stay my craving it not only makes me think of Christ’s sacrifice, it also now reminds me that there are individuals and families around the world sacrificing much more, and hurting far more than I am. It reminds me to think about others to pray for. It gives me the opportunity to look outside myself.

So, while we are all limited to staying at home or quick trips to the grocery, may our thoughts reach far beyond these limits to others we know or don’t know who are alone or hurting. And may we look to the eternal, that which knows no boundaries in time or space. We have hope. Easter is coming.

Stay healthy,

KK

Let’s connect!

Click to Tweet: He knew on February 26th what was coming for me and all of us, and still He laid it on my heart to sacrifice. When I stay my craving it not only makes me think of Christ’s sacrifice, it also now reminds me that there are individuals and families around the world sacrificing much more, and hurting far more than I am. It reminds me to think about others to pray for. It gives me the opportunity to look outside myself.