Photography and Article by Norma Beaird
Holy Week and the Love of a Savior
Sunday, March 24, 2018, we celebrated Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week on the Christian Calendar. Palm Sunday marked Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). As we enter into Holy Week, this is a time of great reflection for Christians all across the world. No matter your current situation.... No matter how stressful, fearful, sad or lonely your corner of the world may be right now, allow JESUS to touch your life by laying your hopes, fears, prayers and burdens at the feet of the cross.
JESUS CHRIST paid the ultimate price for our sins. He gave His life so that we may live free from the burden of sin and shame. He died so that we might have eternal life. He endured a heart-wrenching crucifixion so that we may be free from the worldly entrapments that keep us in bondage.
As Isaiah 53:5 says, ".....and with His stripes we are healed". We can be healed spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. The cross represents love, peace, healing and deliverance.
Let us be encouraged to seriously reflect upon where we are in our Christian walk with the Lord. Maybe you don't know JESUS as your personal Savior. Maybe you need to confess JESUS as your Lord and Savior and repent of your sins so that you may know the freedom of forgiveness. Forgiveness will free your mind, heart and soul.
Right now, we're living in a very tough and unforgiving world. People are more stressed than ever. People are rude, impatient and angry. They are dysfunctional and living in a spiritual fog, not knowing which way to turn for help. In other words, people need JESUS.
Isaiah 53:5 will reach deep into your soul and allow you to feel the love of a Savior Who wants to free you from the burdens of a sin-filled world. Money or material possessions will not save you or give you peace. Strong drink or drugs will not satisfy that void that lingers in your soul. A successful career will not give you eternal life in Heaven. Only JESUS can bring you the peace and contentment that you need to live in a world of chaos and confusion.
Isaiah 53: 5
"But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon Him;
and with His stripes we are healed."
This coming Holy Week, let us be constantly reminded of the love of JESUS and His sacrifice at Calvary. Let us continually be praying and reading scripture. Let us honor the Lord by attending church and participating in the Lord's Supper. Let us be examples of the love of Christ by having a heart of gratitude and reaching out to those in need. Let us be reminded every day that we need to praise Him, thank Him and serve Him with our "whole heart".
If you are not a Christian and you want to know a Savior who will love you more than you have ever been loved and Who will guide you and fill your life with joy, repent of your sins and confess JESUS as your Lord and Savior. He will change your life forever.
Romans 10: 9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Copyright 2018, Curtis and Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
