Here Comes Easter!

 Here Comes Easter!

            For most people in this part of the world, spring and Easter represent new life after a dormant winter. Plant life shows up as buds and blooms pop out and green grass appears proving there is life after death. It is almost like a message and reminder from God that resurrection is real. So where did Easter come from?

Centuries ago, the Jews’ hardened hearts and lack of devotion to their heavenly Father led to subservience in a foreign land. The blood of a lamb on their doorposts brought forgiveness and freedom from slavery. (Hebrews 9:22 [ESV] “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”) Delivery was a reminder of God’s mercy and compassion. Today Passover is a solemn remembrance of that event. He provided a chance for a restored commitment to Him once again.

Easter season in the Christian community is similar to the Passover. Deliverance was provided for all of mankind through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ through His shed blood on the cross.  Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), has given all of mankind a chance to receive forgiveness from sin by way of salvation. This act paid for our freedom around the time of Passover – our Easter. To all who choose to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, there is hope and assurance of one day being resurrected even as Jesus was for eternity. 

Followers of Jesus, join the family of believers in celebrating Jesus' resurrection on this day. Once enslaved to sin and the devil’s schemes to defy God, we have been released from Satan’s bondage into the loving care of the one true God. This is indeed a day for thanksgiving and praise to the only wise God and forever King Jesus!

I Cor. 15:20-23 (NLT): Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So, you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

Time with Purpose

Time With Purpose 

The history of Queen Esther is recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. She was born a simple Jewish girl, faithful to God and family. Her parents died while she was still young so her cousin, Mordecai, adopted her and raised her as his daughter.

During that time in history, the Jews had been exiled from Jerusalem. They found themselves integrated into a community under the reign of King Xerxes in the area of Susa. It happened that Mordecai reported an assassination plot against the king and so earned favor with Xerxes.

It was also around then that the king unseated his wife and queen for embarrassing him. So he looked for a new queen. Searching for a beautiful replacement, several women in the area were chosen to ‘apply’ for the job.  Enter Esther! After meeting the requirements and being accepted by the king (short version), her influence saved the Jews from being destroyed by an evil man and his plot.

Esther 4:14 reveals Mordecai’s encouragement to deal with an evil plot. It gave purpose and incentive for her placement and role as queen. If she chose not to intervene, there would be devastating consequences, and all Jews would be murdered.

If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this. Esther 4:14 (Voice)

I wonder if she might have had the message Joshua received from the Lord ringing in her heart and mind!

Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9  (AMP)

As we enter the new year of 2024, where do you find yourself in life? Tjoshua’s promise is true for us as well - the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Have you been separated from family or friends, lost loved ones, are ill, or moved by unexpected circumstances to a new and uncomfortable home or job? Do you sense God’s purpose for your role and position? The challenge in each of our lives demands courage and faithfulness to what God has given to us or allowed for us. Perhaps you have been made _____ for such a time as this.

By Joy Pedersen

BOOK RELEASE: Loving With All Our Soul

 

Joy Pedersen's newest book release is available now! 
Loving With All Our Soul

Loving With All Our Soul

What is the soul, and what does it involve? Understanding how the soul fits into our spiritual makeup is important so we can love God with all of it. Enticements and choices made are often confusing and detrimental to maturity. It is important to look at the soul infected, influenced, inspired, and infiltrated. Are you hoping to increase your relationship with God and others? Committed time of introspection through these pages will help you examine your love life, wean out the things that hold you back, and lean into the One who loves you most.

Order through https://clearhope.org/

Brief Biography: Joy Pedersen founded Clear Hope Association in 2004 to equip and build the family of God. She has served over 25 years in ministry using the Word of God to teach, write, and counsel. As a dedicated and effective communicator, she walks alongside others encouraging a deeper, more personal, and effective relationship with Jesus Christ.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

Independence Day 

Just over a month ago, Memorial Day acknowledged the contributions of individuals who have fought for or are fighting to preserve 0ur freedoms here in the United States. Fourth of July is a celebration of our independence as a nation. It is a reminder of the freedoms that were established at the onset of our country.

The definition of independence, according to one dictionary, is freedom from control, influence, support, aid, or the likes of others. In some ways, it feels like we have become rather dependent on other nations – politically, industrially, economically, and socially. Freedom is defined as exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. Listening to what is happening around us it would seem our freedom is being threatened.

To remain free as a nation requires being united as “We the People”, both for and against things that could threaten our Constitution and Bill of Rights. United means standing together, upholding truth, banning cruelty, upholding justice, and caring for one another with respect and honor.

Adolph Hitler’s reign is a classic historical example of what transpires when fear and denial yield to brutality. A united goal and effort to gain freedom from the control of one man would have changed history. National destruction and crushed lives were the results of hate, misuse of power, and self-aggrandizement.  Accomplishing the greater good for all happens when united we stand. Divided we fall is the outcome of looking out for self above all others.

We gave up a life of independence for interdependence as followers of Christ. We are dependent on him for our salvation allowing for personal freedom from sin. The Bible reminds us that we need relationships - first with God and then with people. So, we are to interact and count on one another and work together in the Body of Christ. Our declaration of rights is based on the law of love as found throughout scripture. Because of who He is, we need Him to comply with what He says is loving. Looking at His name throughout the Bible, in Hebrew and Greek, we find He supplies our needs through His character as we call upon Him. For example:

·         He is Elohim - supreme God, strong One, creator who makes all things from the universe down to the new in our lives as believers, and He and rule sovereignly. (Genesis 14:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

·         He is El Roi – the God who is all seeing, Who sees me in the good and in the bad times He is ever watching us. (Genesis 16:3; Matthew 6:3-4)

·         He is Jehovah Jireh – provider of all things whether it is a job, food, clothing, strength,  friends, or more. (Genesis 22:14; Philippians 4:19)

·         Jehovah Rapha – He is the Lord that heals from the Old Testament into the New Testament through Jesus. (Exodus 15:26; Luke 6:17-19)

God gives people to walk alongside us, and He wants us to depend on Him to guide us in those relationships. According to Ephesians 3:20-21, He is able to do much much more than we could ever ask or hope for. As we lean upon and trust in Him He faithfully helps us through all kinds of situations. And what are our freedoms?

We are free from sin and it’s guilt, legalism, and power. We have freedom to enjoy God (3 in 1), know Him, belong to Him, and own Him as our Lord and King.  We have been given freedom with others to serve, give attention to needs, and commune. And because of His love given freely to us, we can freely love others out of this gift. For believers in Christ freedom is eternal.

While focused on independence remember the freedoms you richly enjoy first as a believer in Christ and then as one who dwells in this nation.

Galatians 5:13 (AMP)

For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.

by Joy Pedersen

Memorial Day Appreciation

 

Memorial Day Appreciation

 

A great price has been paid by many for our country's freedom. So express gratitude for their service. Greater still is the price that was paid for our personal freedom through Jesus Christ. It is a freedom all mankind can share through trust and belief in Him. When this happens, we experience freedom that can never be taken away. This kind of freedom is spoken of in the book of Romans in the Bible.

Romans 6:15-18 (MSG)

What Is True Freedom?

So, since we’re out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it’s your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!

by Joy Pedersen

A Great Promise

 

A Great Promise

Bidding farewell to friends and family throughout life, I know some of the difficulty in letting go as they depart. Adjusting to the idea of life without them is almost unthinkable. Denial is usually my first response followed by sadness.  The assurances that they will stay in contact and/or return for a visit is often meant well but not fulfilled.

Jesus’s disciples were in a similar situation.  Jesus had prepared them with details of His death and resurrection, but now He began to prepare them for His ‘move’ back to Heaven. Leaving the gift of spiritual life for all mankind, Jesus was going away. For three years they had traveled together, ministered side by side, and been trained for their ministry roles – but His going away was unimaginable! How would they go on?

Startled by His announcement, Jesus left a promise for them and us that was designed to bring relief and hope. The communication was caring and compassionate as He readied them for this part of His and their journey. Jesus gave reason for His going – a promise! Unlike the farewell promises of mankind, however, Jesus’s was not in vain. He promised a Helper - almost a replacement of sorts - that we continue to benefit from. How?

The Helper (Holy Spirit) exposes the truth of individuals sinfulness, what righteousness is, and God’s judgement for those who do not have a love relationship with God and others. The message of salvation can be accepted and believed by the hearer when conviction is received. The Holy Spirit’s revealed truth is a weapon against the ruler of this world, Satan, who fights against truth.

How good to have a reliable promise to hold on to. In what time I am afraid, I have a Helper (Psalm 56:3). He makes us effective witnesses of Christ (Acts 1:8). He teaches us and reminds us to apply what He has said in the Bible (John 14:26). He goes with us wherever we go (I Corinthians 3:16). He strengthens us so we can mature in Christ (Romans 8:26-27). He helps become more and more like Christ (Romans 8:29).

Thank you Father, for the fulfilled promise of the Holy Spirit.

by Joy Pedersen

EASTER

 EASTER

Acts 2:29-33 (AMP)

“Brothers, I may confidently and freely say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, being a prophet and knowing fully that God had sworn to him with an oath that He would seat one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke [prophetically] of the resurrection of the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), that He was not abandoned [in death] to Hades (the realm of the dead), nor did His body undergo decay. 32 God raised this Jesus [bodily from the dead], and of that [fact] we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted [d]to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this [blessing] which you both see and hear.

Good Friday

 

Good Friday

This is a day to truly reflect on the goodness of God toward mankind. Perhaps that is why it is Good Friday and not bad Friday? Scripture tells us that because God rescued His Jewish people and they were His, He had a confidence that they wouldn’t betray Him (Isaiah 63:7-8). But time and again God was betrayed, and loyalty was dismissed by those He cared for - through many many years.

The Psalmist describes the reward for loyalty in Psalm 85:9-11 (AMP).

“You (God) are ready to rescue everyone who worships you, so that you will live with us in all your glory. Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite. Loyalty will sprout from the ground; justice will look down from the sky above.”

And here we are at Good Friday, when Jesus – over 2,000 years ago – paid our sin’s debt with His life on the cross. God’s love and loyalty to His created beings came together and He rescued us from the power of sin and death! It sprouted from the ground on a cross where Jesus hung. Sacrificing His life – for three days - that we might receive the goodness of God through salvation as determined with Jesus sacrificial blood and life. God’s goodness and Christ’s kindness deserve our loyalty and love from that day throughout eternity as we look on His glory.

[To review Jesus’ crucifixion and see how the heart of God most certainly suffered as His son went through one injustice after another and died cruelly, read Matthew 27. It is the reality of what Jesus did so that we can be rescued and share in the goodness, loyalty, and love of God.]

by Joy Pedersen

Maundy Thursday

 Maundy Thursday

Holy Week is filled with many traditions commemorating events that occurred before and after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. The one day that is often overlooked is Maundy Thursday.  This is the day that relates to the last supper attended by Jesus and His twelve disciples. After eating together, Jesus washed their feet, prepared them for His going back to Heaven, and then He gave a mandate. Maundy is a shortened form of mandatum (Latin), which means "command."  

This is the day memorializing what Jesus left as a mandate with His disciples – and us. We read this command in John 13:34 ^(ESV):

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “

It almost seems the same as Mark 12: 31 where the second commandment to love others as much as you love yourself is given. But this edict is  an even greater  challenge. Here the standard of love is Jesus – not us. Wow! These words ring in our hearts and our minds struggle to comprehend just what we must sacrifice to love everyone around us as He did.  He loved those with unclean hearts – and feet, the betrayers, the legalistic, the demon possessed, the diseased, the impoverished, the abusers, the rich, and all classes and races of people.

And the reason for loving in this way? Jesus tells us in verse 35:

^“ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

He could have added: just like I have, but He is too humble. So we can ask ourselves: Do I want all people to know that I am Christ Jesus’s disciple? If yes, then I will focus on His love and reenact it as I engage with those around me. May your Maundy Thursday (and every day) be committed to loving as Jesus does.

by Joy Pedersen

Easter On Our Mind

 Easter On Our Mind

Easter is on the minds of Jesus’s followers. Surrounded by new life – budding flowers, emerging leaves, and a rejoicing sun, at springtime, we are drawn to contemplate the amazing kindness of God. Though we have so often failed to walk His way, His mercy rings out and His forgiveness calls softly saying we are His beloved children. Fixing our eyes on the wondrous cross, where Jesus sacrificed His life and recalling the empty tomb where He was once laid is cause to worship the One who gave up His son for our freedom from sin.  

God’s love so deep He designed a plan to preserve us for eternity. Jesus agreed to the plan giving His life’s blood for the forgiveness of our sin (Hebrews 12:2). It was required once and covered all that accept this gift of forgiveness. No matter our past, present, or future He has shed His innocent blood for our guilty soul. He remembers(d) us and with grace proves(d) His love. Easter – a time to consider deeply God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

by Joy Pedersen

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

The Power of Faith

The Power of Faith

 

Hebrews 11:6 ^(TPT)

“And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him,”

Reading Hebrews 11 and 12, I am amazed at the power of faith.  From Abel to the present day, individuals have faced hardships. Amazingly, the one thing that brought victory and hope to those listed in these chapters was their faith that God was in both the good and bad situations they were in. Here we read of testimony and faith power. These are some of them:

• Abel chose by faith to make an offering that was acceptable to God – the best portions of his firstborn lambs. This instructs us today that obedience through sacrifice pleases God.
• Enoch never died – he just went straight to heaven - because his life was a faith walk that pleased God. He was a living example of trust and obedience powered by faith.
• Noah’s heart welcomed God’s warning. Believing His word in opposition to people of the day, he built an ark that saved his family and future generations while being mocked and scorned.
• Faith motivated Abraham to blindly obey God, even as a migrant traveling through unknown countries. His hope held to a promise of fulfillment for the unknown future. He was willing to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac, because he believed God would fulfill His promise of creating a great nation through him.
• Sarah’s faith through the years rested in the power of God and His faithfulness. Then, at an old age, she conceived and bore Isaac, the child promised by God to her and Abraham.
• Joseph was upheld by his faith in God’s purpose for his life as he was sold into slavery, interpreted dreams, led a godless nation, and prophesied the deliverance of Israel which led to saving the Jewish nation.
•  The parents of Moses believed that he was to be saved and found a way to preserve him for God’s purpose.
• Moses chose beyond what the world could offer. Following God’s will by faith, he led Israel through deliverance and a desert. He was disrespected, rejected, misunderstood, and exhausted while still anticipating and expecting favor and a future reward. Faith even removed his fear of a government official.
•  Faith made it possible for the Hebrews to cross the Red Sea safely and the enemy was destroyed!
• Faith in an unseen God was the basis upon which Rahab, a prostitute, was saved from destruction.
•  Kingdoms were conquered and saved based on the power of faith. It happened and does happen for prophets and ordinary people.                                                                                                
• Many died holding onto their faith without receiving their promise during their lifetime.

Each was able to do this because their hearts were fixed on what was ahead of them: heaven, where being face to face with Jesus.  He was their promise.  Hebrews 11:34 tells us that their “faith imparted power to make them strong.”  In the Aramaic, this is translated as being “restored or healed”.

All throughout the New Testament, we are shown the power of faith as apostles and disciples alike preached the good news. Strength was given to endure, be courageous, to suffer, to minister, to care for others, and so much more. Faith gave them the power they needed to live a life of belief and hope for what was yet to come beyond this world.  They fixed their mind, sight, and anticipation on what was eternal so that they could make it in this life.

If you are feeling weak, worn, and woeful, fix your thoughts, imagination, and hope on a heavenly world with a kingdom of love and life.  It is absent of hate, cruelty, sickness, death, and poverty.  Praise God who has given us the promise of a perfect life with a perfect Father, God, who will reward us for our active faith in Him. 

By Joy Pedersen

Pour Out Life

 

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but though love, be servants of one another.” – Galatians 5:13 RSV

 

What freedom and wonder I feel when sowing into others, watching the transformation that takes place in their lives just because love, grace and compassion are freely poured out.  The tired souls of those who receive this love are like wilting flowers awaiting a cup of water to revitalize their weak and drooping existence.  And when that cup is poured out, they can again lift their faces to the sun and take in the life-giving force of their Creator.  Standing tall and experiencing all that is so freely given in this life force, I can sow into them because I received it first. Praise God, Who pours His love into my heart.  Praise God, Who uses my life to pour His love into others. - Joy Pedersen

A New Year Prayer

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of The Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

 

Blessed Lord, Your Word never fails! Your Word is a lamp unto our feet! 

Every word we read speaks to us perfectly! It is a soothing balm! It is rousing and invigorating! It is our plumbline against which we measure all things! Your Word guides us, reminds us, convicts and challenges us. Your Word satisfies like nothing and no one else does! Your Word fills us with wonder and awe! Your Word makes us yearn to see You face-to- face, in person, in the flesh! 

By Your Spirit, please open our minds and hearts to know You and understand You more each day! 

In Jesus' Name we pray. 

- Lisa Flanagan

2022 – A Message From Joy

Entering 2021 our thoughts were filled with hope of returning to ‘normal’. There were visions of no more masks, vaccines that would fully remove concern over Covid, work back in full swing, and economics regained. However, at the end of 2021 we are less hopeful and inundated with government rules and limitations not imagined.

So, what now? The reality is that the only true hope we have rests in Jesus Christ (whom we just celebrated at Christmas). If we have been hoping our government would rescue us from the pandemic and give us confidence in our future, we realize it has not authored hope, but more likely frustration.

Proverbs 4:25 gives us wise instruction for times just like these: “Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.(TPT)

Certainly, Covid has been a distraction stirring up fear, worry, isolation, loss of finances, distrust, disconnection from others, and so much more. Warring against these things with churches moving to you-tube and other media has caused much spiritual and emotional pain. So what is next? What were the instructions to early Christians that can help us?

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to look back at previous followers of the Faith and follow their example. “So, we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.  We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!” (TPT)

I pray that your 2022 will be blessed and that you run the race showering the love of God on those who are without hope. Look ahead with fixed purpose, igniting in others the hope you have found in Jesus. 

 

CHRISTMAS 2021

It was the week before Christmas!

All through the country, we people hurried, worried, and traveled preparing for the big celebration! Christmas! 

And what are we celebrating?  Is it Joy to the World the Lord has Come?  Is it Dreaming of a White Christmas? Is it a Blue Christmas? Is it Peace on Earth Good Will to Men?  Is it Santa Claus is Coming to Town? 

While making a mad rush to settle down for a long winter’s nap, take some time to rejoice and delight in the real reason Christmas became a season of celebrations.  “God sent His Son.”  

It is Jesus’ birthday that gives permission for us to even say Merry Christmas or have a blessed Christmas.  We sing carols, give gifts, join in parties, light lights, and perhaps attend candlelight services. There is an admission in all this activity that Jesus was born! His purpose is powerful, coming to earth out of a heart of love, with a deep desire to bring life to our dead spirits. The true celebration is accepting Jesus as personal Savior.  He was sent that the world might be saved. In life Christ lived fully, served humbly, died guiltlessly, rose from the dead miraculously, and returned to Heaven.  His completed life provides a life of eternity for all who truly believe and accept Him. 

Are you prepared to sing “Joy to the World the Lord is Come”?

 Take some time to quietly reflect and meditate on the Reason, the Hope, and the Christ who came to bring life as you celebrate Jesus. And have a Merry Christmas.

-  Joy Pedersen