Saturday, April 11, 2009

Easter Devo....



Easter of 1993 I had an experience of a life time. Our family was on spring break in Las Vegas, but we took a weekend trip south to the Grand Canyon. We woke up very early Sunday morning to be a part of the sun rise service looking of the Grand Canyon. Even at the young age of 13 I still remember marveling in the majesty of God, the vastness of the canyon and the beautiful sunrise that could only be masterpiece done by the Master.

We gathered on the canyons edge and there was a Scripture reading followed by a small sermon. Then at the end of the service, and group of people, no one really knowing each other, gathered and sang the words of the following hymn:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

A glimpse of heaven on earth is what I encounter that Easter. Have you ever had a moment like that, knowing that you belong to something greater than yourself? I can remember looking over the canyon and seeing the sun appear with strokes of vibrant orange and streaks of radiant red. Here I was a young girl at one of the wonders of the world, knowing that the same Maker of this canyon was the same Maker who knit me together in my mother’s womb.

So today as you remember Easter, remember Him. He is alive today, just as He was that first Easter morn. Look around as you go about your day, look at the ways He loves you. Can you see it in the sunrise, or the sunset? Do you see it in the laughter of a child, or a cup of java, can you feel His love as He quiets your anxious spirit? Or do you see Him as you sing praise to your Maker? Whistle the words, “Love’s redeeming work is done!” It is finished, He has redeemed us! This hill was for you and me! And today as you see the hills wherever He takes you, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the He loves you. There is no one who will ever love you more, and He will NEVER love you any less, You are His child, the apple of His eye, and when all is said and done, “Christ has opened paradise!” Alleluia!!!

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