I hope you had a wonderful time Sunday, the day we celebrated the exclamation point on the story of God’s undying, (literally), love for His children! I hope you felt a great sense of gratitude, love, and excitement realizing God came to pay the death penalty for those who believe in Him and then defeated death, hell, and the grave to give us something we never could afford and will never deserve – an eternity in Heaven. I am always amazed at the love of God. I hope you are, as well.
We celebrate the Lord’s Day, Sunday, every week since Jesus rose on that first Lord’s Day. We come expecting to praise and worship God every Sunday, hopefully with a similar fervor and excitement as we feel on Christmas or Easter . . . at least we say so. Similarly, we claim to worship Him with our everyday lives as we encounter people, challenges, and tough situations . . . again, at least we say so.
Is it just me or do you also have difficulty coming to church ready to praise and worship God? (Wow, a pastor admitted that?) Sometimes the pressure of a busy week, a difficult family situation, a frustrated budget, or a disgruntling relationship tempts us to attend church with less than perfect intentions to worship, replacing those good intentions with bad attitudes of self-service instead of pouring ourselves out to God in a sacrifice of praise. Life can be tough.
Additionally, we intend to be worshipful and Christlike each day of the week Sometimes our attitudes, actions, and words show less Christlikeness and more Christless-ness in the eyes, ears, and hearts of those who encounter us. Life hits hard at times during the week.
What if we considered each day as Resurrection Day? In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah writes:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
We do not have to wait for the next holiday. Each day we awake, God’s love is awaiting our rediscovery and realization. His love never changes and is always there. If we dwell upon this every day, practicing gratitude, we can experience and express Easter every day. He won the victory, and it is still in effect every day. Each day is truly a day of God’s victorious love.
Friend, I encourage to not let go of the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Tomorrow morning, get up, realize He still loves you enough to have died for you, and He is still alive. Afterward, let all life’s troubles fade away in comparison to the great depth of God’s love for you.
Stuart Townend’s song How Deep the Father’s Love for Us says it all.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure!
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss!
The Father turns His face away;
As wounds which marred the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure!
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss!
The Father turns His face away;
As wounds which marred the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross:
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life:
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything:
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Stuart Townend
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us lyrics © Thank You Music Ltd.
Friend, I pray you will find Easter every day.
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