#LentReflection

[harmonyhealinghub]

Unveiling the True Meaning of Easter: A Celebration of Hope, Renewal, and Redemption Shaina Tranquilino April 1, 2024

As the spring breeze gently sweeps away the remnants of winter and flowers bloom to adorn the earth with vibrant hues, the world prepares to celebrate Easter. Beyond the colourful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and joyous gatherings, lies a profound significance embedded in the essence of Easter – a story of hope, renewal, and redemption that transcends time and culture.

Easter, celebrated by billions around the globe, holds its roots in both religious and cultural traditions. For Christians, it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the pivotal event that marks the triumph of life over death, and the promise of salvation for humanity. It's a cornerstone of the Christian faith, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice made out of unconditional love and the victory over sin and darkness.

The journey to Easter begins with Lent, a period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation observed for forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. It mirrors the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, facing temptation and strengthening his resolve for the divine mission ahead. Lent invites believers to engage in acts of self-discipline, prayer, and charity, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

The climax of Easter unfolds with Holy Week, a sacred time that retraces the final moments of Jesus' life – from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the Last Supper, his betrayal, crucifixion, and ultimately, his resurrection. Each event holds profound significance, encapsulating themes of humility, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the promise of new beginnings.

Good Friday stands as a sombre reminder of Jesus' crucifixion, a poignant display of sacrificial love and the depths of human suffering. Yet, it is through this act of selflessness that redemption is made possible. The darkness of Good Friday gives way to the dawn of Easter Sunday – a day of unparalleled joy and celebration, as Christians worldwide rejoice in the resurrection of Christ and the promise of eternal life.

However, the message of Easter extends beyond the confines of religious doctrine, resonating with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. It serves as a timeless symbol of hope and renewal, inviting individuals to reflect on their own journey of transformation and the possibility of starting anew.

In a world often fraught with despair, uncertainty, and adversity, Easter offers a beacon of hope – a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there exists the promise of light and redemption. It encourages us to confront our own trials and tribulations with courage and resilience, knowing that every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every obstacle, a stepping stone toward a brighter future.

Moreover, Easter fosters a spirit of unity and community, bringing together families, friends, and communities to share in the joy of new life and the blessings of fellowship. It transcends cultural boundaries, fostering a sense of solidarity and compassion that binds humanity together in times of joy and sorrow alike.

As we adorn our homes with Easter lilies, gather around tables laden with festive feasts, and exchange greetings of joy and renewal, let us not forget the true essence of Easter – a celebration of hope, renewal, and redemption. May its timeless message inspire us to embrace life's challenges with unwavering faith and to cherish each moment as a gift of grace. For in the resurrection of Christ lies the promise of new beginnings and the eternal triumph of love over all. Happy Easter!

[seeking-his-plan-blog]

Peace.

Friday, March 16 - Day 29 of Lent.

I’ve been travelling around over the last few days, but I did manage to do some reading. I’ve been contemplating the idea of peace, because I’ve been needing it recently. I find it harder and harder to obtain peace amongst the trials of this world, and amongst the storm that is my own emotions.

I have researched verses on ‘peace’ in the Bible, and have included some of my findings.

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realise this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?

- 2 Corinthians 13

I sit here, feeling especially alone today. Things have recently happened in my life that have made me feel like my purpose has been lost. Due to certain circumstances, some relationships in my life have been altered; perhaps even cut. It hurts. The severing of companionship here on earth hurts, because companionship in God was never meant to be severed. If I were at utter peace, I would feel no need for conflict. The fact that conflict has arisen, means that there is some kind of hatred in my heart. This verse helps me, because of the words, “examine yourself”. I’ve had those words said to me before. But for some reason, reading them in the Bible has a much stronger effect. 

The truth is, I have not properly welcomed God into my heart, nor into the forefront of my mind. My forgetting of His place in my heart, has made me a more hateful and angry person. But the truth is, He is there. Perhaps I am meant to be alone, to truly discover and know him in my heart. For whatever reason, God has allowed these circumstances to be. And I must trust Him.

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

- 2 Corinthians 13

It is no mystery why so many Bible verses talk about ‘one another’. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: our relationship with and discovery of God can only strengthen in our kinship with others. Every person on this earth is your friend. Every person on this earth deserves love; not just love, but our love. Even if we talk to God every day, His love can only be perfected in us if we SPREAD IT.

16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 

- James 3

I discovered this in James 3, which is actually a chapter to which I believe I’ll be returning. This verse speaks to me tonight, of all nights, because for the first time in a long time, I have felt an inch of such emotions creep into my heart, and I have seen the sour fruits of such allowance. I struggle. I don’t know how to find peace in situations such as these. Reading back on my old posts, I know the answer is only through prayer. Of course, I love to speak to God, and I will do so. But I want to allow myself to think and reflect on these feelings.

In truth, only sour fruit can come from jealousy and selfish ambition.

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

- James 3

“The wisdom from above is pure.” Indeed, whenever I honestly seek God’s wisdom and guidance, He gives me a clear sign of the answer. Whether it be through prayer, a physical sign or simply a change in my own feeling, His wisdom is made clear in me. His advice is pure and without fault. Furthermore, in knowing it comes from Him, it is “peaceable”, if we truly seek it. For we know, His answer is always the right answer. I’ve been seeking God’s advice on a particular topic for a while now, and He has made the answer clear in my heart, over time. It is a reasonable answer, and it certainly didn’t hit me like a tonne of bricks. It was gentle, merciful, but sincere. And when I followed it, it brought good fruits.

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Do I make peace? Do I? No, today, I didn’t. How then can I expect peace in return?

Life doesn’t stop with the failure of earthly pursuits. God’s unfathomable grace means that life, in fact, never ends for us. I feel disheartened tonight because of the way other people have made me feel. But studying His word tonight, as usual, has made me feel better by a significant amount. How blessed am I, that I am not alone tonight. 

And I will never be alone again. Not ever.

[evakryzanek]

🙏🎀💝 #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections #prayer https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NC6Vdnioo/?igshid=ygdnlj6ozr7b

[evakryzanek]

❤🙏 #prayer #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections https://www.instagram.com/p/B-uRjH9HTyD/?igshid=6cqipnh8kwjo

[evakryzanek]

🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤🎀 #lent #lentreflections #servingthepoor #godisgood #prayerlife #meditation https://www.instagram.com/p/B-pisQJHNuy/?igshid=4pi6uf7yhxxi

[evakryzanek]

🙏🙏🎀💝 #lent #lentreflections #prayer #GodIsGood #prayerlife #dailyprayer #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cTHX9HudQ/?igshid=1kjoun9f6nnhj

[evakryzanek]

#prayer #lent #lentreflections #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #stopjudgingyourself https://www.instagram.com/p/B-XJK2XHOR3/?igshid=172o4r8oss60p

[evakryzanek]

🙏🙏🙏 #lent #lentreflections #prayer #bibleverse #dailyprayer #GodIsGood https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PehBwnP8O/?igshid=1dm8fp5ruhb4j

[evakryzanek]

⚘🙏💗🎀🎀#prayer #prayerlife #GodIsGood #godisgoodalways #lentreflections #prayerreflection #meditation https://www.instagram.com/p/B-HolGFH-TU/?igshid=4sqi6migr2fv

[evakryzanek]

🙏🙏🙏💗💗 #prayer #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections 🙏🙏💗🐣🐰🐇 https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CmOrennVI/?igshid=qe8rdk6b4c6t

[evakryzanek]

🎀🙏🎀🙏🎀 #forgiveness #matthew182122 #howoftenmustiforgive #prayer #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections #myofferingtoGod https://www.instagram.com/p/B91onPPn1Mp/?igshid=1asjaym6nedrp

[evakryzanek]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🎀 #jesusiscalling #prayerlife #dailyprayer #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections https://www.instagram.com/p/B91n7eCnuau/?igshid=yqc3pqbpaep

[evakryzanek]

I pray for peace to all today❤🎀🙏🙏🙏 #prayer #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections https://www.instagram.com/p/B9o2nKrHr7c/?igshid=i7nta8mxke9j

[evakryzanek]

🙏🎀🙏🙏whoever wishes to be first among shall be your slave. Matt:20-26 #prayer #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections #matt2026 https://www.instagram.com/p/B9mKLjYHUZ7/?igshid=i1k43blc6jf5

[evakryzanek]

🙏🎀🌻#reachinngoutofthedepths #lordhearmyvoice #prayers #prayer #prayerlife #everydayisagift #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ZYkOOnXq3/?igshid=ic72dfgbr23t

[evakryzanek]

🙏❤🌻 #prayer #prayerlife #dailyprayer #godisgoodalways #dailymeditation #lentreflections https://www.instagram.com/p/B9W1EpVH8WE/?igshid=1o3aykghwe1ui