Spring-time is upon us. The days are longer and warmer, and we start to think of flowers. I always think of the bulbs that have been planted a while back. They sit in the dark cold dirt receiving rain and nourishment from the earth. Then the warm spring sun begins to heat the ground. In only a few weeks the gardens begin to burst forth with the bright colored tulips, freesia and hyacinth, to name a few.
Just as the flowers were buried in the earth so was our Savior buried. As the third day dawned He rose from that cold dark tomb to walk on the earth once more. The angel declared. "He is not here, He is risen..." (Matthew 28:6) This is the apex of the gospel message. We serve a savior who is living, who had the power to resurrect himself! He is the only one that can give to us eternal life.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Jesus' wants to reconcile us with God the Father that we might have fellowship with Him now and eternally.
Spring-time is a good time to reevaluate our relationship with God. Do you you know your eternal home? How long since you have visited with God in prayer and quiet Bible reading? Have you been in a dark, cold winter of despair or longing. Jesus is waiting for you. His arms are wide open to embrace you.
The words to this wonderful old hymn really say it best. (http://hymnal.calvarybaptistsv.org/409.html)
I wanted to link the actual song as well, but could not find it, maybe I will try to add it later. Some you over 30 might remember it. :)
Words and Music by John R. Rice
© 1972 by John R. Rice
2 Thessalonians 3:5
"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God ..."
- I remember the time when I first knew the Savior,
When the sunlight of blessing so flooded my heart,
Oh the sweetness of "first love," with Jesus so near me,
and I thought such devotion would never depart.
- Chorus
Let the sunshine again, Let the flow'rs bloom again;
Stir the embers of love in my heart!
Holy Spirit reprove, then embrace me again;
Let the sunshine again in my heart!
Then how sweet were the Scriptures, they spoke to me daily,
How they guided my steps; but my zeal did not last,
And the sweet place of pray'r where I met with my Savior,
I neglected, and so soon my joys were all past.
- Chorus
Let the sunshine again, Let the flow'rs bloom again;
Stir the embers of love in my heart!
Holy Spirit reprove, then embrace me again;
Let the sunshine again in my heart!
Oh, I loved will to walk in the way with God's children,
When we net with glad heart in a fellowship sweet.
But the pull of the flesh and some worldly companions,
In the paths of sin's pleasure attracted my feet.
- Chorus
Let the sunshine again, Let the flow'rs bloom again;
Stir the embers of love in my heart!
Holy Spirit reprove, then embrace me again;
Let the sunshine again in my heart!
Lord, I come now again for forgiveness and blessing,
As Thy penitent child I am seeking Thy peace.
For the blood paid my debt and Thy Spirit within me,
Bids me come to my Father, my wand'ring to cease.
- Chorus
Let the sunshine again, Let the flow'rs bloom again;
Stir the embers of love in my heart!
Holy Spirit reprove, then embrace me again;
Let the sunshine again in my heart!
