April 2, 2015

Read: Mark 7:1-13

As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I have been thinking back to Easter celebrations as a child. Most Easter Sundays as a child meant going to church with grandparents, having Sunday dinner with aunts, uncles, cousins, and whomever Papa invited home after church. I cannot remember the service, but I can remember that Easter Sunday always meant white shoes, a pastel dress, and an Easter egg hunt in the afternoon.

Then I came to know the significance of Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Suddenly, the white shoes, pastel dress, and Easter egg hunt in the afternoon lost their excitement. It is not that they were bad; it is just that they were a tradition added at some point. They were not a true part of the celebration of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior.
 
As we prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday, may we all stop to remember to thank our Lord for what he did for us upon Calvary’s cross. May we also remember to share this truth with others who may not understand that the celebration of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday are not simply religious traditions or holidays, but a celebration of life eternal.

Pray:  

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.  

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.  

Supplication: Petition God for growth in your character and personal discipline, and for physical health and strength.  Ask for Him to empower you for spiritual warfare against the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Ask for help regarding your activities of the day and other concerns you have.  Intercede for the poor and hungry, the oppressed and persecuted, and those in control of world resources.  Offer prayers for peace among the nations and current events and concerns.