What’s in a Name?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I’ve noticed that our church is referring to Easter as Resurrection Sunday this year. Maybe it isn’t new, and I just haven’t noticed the last few years. But to be accurate, Jesus’ resurrection is the center of all we believe and celebrate on Easter Day and every day of our lives as His sons and daughters.

First comes Good Friday. Looking back from our 21st century perspective, it is very good indeed. But on the day Christ Jesus suffered and died on the cross, I am sure His disciples didn’t celebrate or think of it as good in any way. Here was the Man they believed to be the Messiah, and the Roman government and Jewish leaders conspired to unjustly crucify Him.

After three days in the tomb, early on a Sunday morning Mary Magdalene came there while it was still dark. She saw the stone rolled away and the tomb empty and immediately ran to tell Peter and John. They were as confused as Mary was and went back home.

While Mary stood there weeping by the tomb, angels who appeared asked her what she was crying about. Angels! “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have put Him,” she replied. As she left, another Man asked her why the tears. “If you’ve taken Him away, tell me where you have put Him…”

“Mary!” Jesus said to her. “Go tell my brothers, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and Your God.’”

She ran and told everyone that she had seen the Lord alive. That evening Jesus appeared to the disciples where they gathered behind a locked door. He said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” We who follow Jesus have His Gospel message to share: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Jesus died for our sins and rose again. He paid the penalty we deserve so that we may live forever with Him in heaven, even after we die. That is Good News, or as one song says, the best news ever.

Whatever we call it, Easter or Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate Jesus Christ with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. What’s in a name?

Music to My Ears

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

Music connects me to memories, ministry, family, friends, and fun. It started way back when Dad brought out his guitar case. We knew we were in for a treat—and we all sang along with him, some on key, some humming, and some stepping to the beat.  The first time I sang into a microphone was in our basement in my early teens. My brother, Fred, was in a rock band that practiced at our house. I put on Mony Mony and sang along into the mic. As I finished applause erupted from upstairs. I couldn’t hide my smile as I joined them for dinner. That sure was fun.

I guess there was something alluring about my family’s enjoyment of my singing. In my 20s, I joined the rock band with Fred and found out that most people in bars weren’t as tuned in as my family had been. We received some applause, but mostly just a bunch of rowdy dancers smoking cigarettes.

After my rock n’ roll days were done and I left the bar scene, I began to sing in church. That was a real 180, and I had a lot to learn, including a new genre of music. And I realized that it wasn’t about me or at least wasn’t supposed to be. I was at the front of the room to point people to the Lord God who had orchestrated the 180 in my heart and life. Slowly I caught on and depended on Him more and me less.

Not long after I came to know Jesus Christ, He inspired me to write a song that I sang for many years when I had the privilege to share my faith story with groups of women through Stonecroft Ministries. What a rewarding time telling people that Jesus loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. “Now the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23. That’s the Good News, and it is a pleasure for me to share it with words and music.

Take a few minutes to listen to my song, “Let Jesus Show You the Way”

Let Jesus Show You the Way by Lynn Lilja

Each New Day

Photo by Simon Berger on Pexels.com

Let’s just admit it–some days are more challenging than others. It’s been one of those for me. As I sat deciding what to write about, the Lord reminded me of one thing that helps me when it’s one of ‘those days.’

I just chose to take time to offer God praise for blessings. Plain and simple, to read a few verses from the Bible. To remember just a few answered prayers this week. I am reminded that each new day brings a new way to praise the Lord. Now my heart is at rest and praises flow easily.

So, praise the Lord. He is worthy of all our worship, and when our hearts are focused on Him, peace will prevail over worry, stress, or discouragement. I promise. No wait a minute, God does! “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6