(The empty tomb.)

I pray you had a blessed Easter weekend. We had family and friends over to our home for a wonderful dinner, egg hunt (in the house because it was raining) and an afternoon of relaxation and a movie.

A friend of mine was recently telling me about a conversation he had with a co-worker. The co-worker was saying how the Bible had some good things in it and some of those things were worth believing. He said that Jesus was really a good man and had some good teaching, but a person just can't believe everything that's in it. 

Could this be true?

The main problem I see with that philosophy is that Jesus claimed to be God; over 500 people claimed to have seen Jesus after He rose from the dead; the Bible claims to be the Word of God. If none of that is true, how can we know which parts to believe as truth? How could Jesus be a "good" man if He was a liar? It only takes two people in court to have a firm testimony as truth. With over 500 people seeing Jesus after the resurrection we can have confidence that Jesus is who He said He is and that He is worthy of our trust.

Tax season around our house is not a happy time; first because we tend to procrastinate and, secondly, because we always have to pay in so much money. On top of that, it annoys me that we are expected to pay our bills on time and balance our household budget, but the government seems to spend our money unwisely, and our county gets deeper into debt every day. Yes, I get angry and I complain, but do I pray? Do I spend as much time praying for those in authority as I do complaining about them? I think I may have things turned around a bit. How about you?


Romans 13: 1-7 "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." (emphasis mine)


I have to go now. I need to finish my taxes and pray for my leaders!

(Melanie wearing my glasses.)

Yesterday I babysat my two grandchildren Melanie (2) and Ryan (10 months). At one point, I scolded Melanie for being rough with the dog, but she averted her eyes when I spoke to her. I  repeated several times, "Melanie, look at me!" I wanted her to look into my eyes because then I knew she was listening and giving me her full attention. But, she didn't want to look at me and she didn't want to hear what I had to say.

I wonder how many times we avert our gaze from the Lord when He is trying to discipline or guide us; we don't want to hear what He has to say. God wants us to look into His eyes through the Bible and prayer; He wants to know that He has our full attention.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide (to counsel or advise) you with My eye." Psalm 32:8

Are you looking into His face?

Are you directionally-challenged like me? I love to drive, but when I travel I need a map, my GPS, written directions from Mapquest, and any landmarks that may be helpful. I even need directions on short jaunts around town. I just came back from driving nearly 1,600 miles, mostly by myself, and I didn't get lost even once! But I had good directions.

All this traveling made me think of the verse in Proverbs 23:10, "Do not remove the ancient landmarks." What kind of landmarks am I leaving for those who come after me? My children, grandchildren, even friends? Do I leave landmarks by my words or actions that may cause someone to go astray or get lost? Or are the landmarks I leave pointing them to wisdom, joy, love, peace, and Jesus? Does my life give good directions to others?

How about you?

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