– The Easter Conundrum (Confession) – Jen Hatmaker
Jen’s post is challenging, heartbreaking, inspiring, and convicting. Oh, is it ever.
– Be Loved – Christy Nockels
This song has meant so much to me over the past week and has just ministered to my heart like crazy. If you’re going through something difficult and could use some encouragement, would you leave a comment and let me know (or send me an email if you’re more comfortable doing that)? I’d love to send you a copy of this song. The only condition is that you need to be able to download from iTunes.
(And in the interest of full disclosure, giving away this song has nothing to do with a record label or PR firm or anything like that. Just so you know.)
– The Centerpiece of All History…
There was a time in my life when I knew what Easter was – but the magnitude of it, and the purpose in it, just didn’t register with me. Knowing that Jesus died on the Cross is all fine and well and good, I guess, but it’s not the same thing as believing it. It’s not the same thing as seeing the sin in your life for what it is, seeing the state of your heart for what it is, and trusting that Jesus took on every bit of your sin and shame so that you don’t have to pay a penalty for it. Our surrender to His sacrifice reconciles us to God – something that we are not capable of doing on our own. The Cross that I looked at so casually when I was younger is the grace of God, grace that’s sent from heaven to earth, grace that reaches out and beckons us and envelops us and covers us and changes us for God’s glory.
This Easter I pray that His grace takes your breath away. And if you’re feeling a little uncertain about the Truth of it all, or if you’re feeling discouraged in your faith, or if you’re walking with the Lord but want to soak up more of who He is and what He’s done for us, take some time to listen to this sermon. I think you’ll be glad that you did.
Sobbing. Thank you for sharing Jen’s post. Have a beautiful Easter.
Here’s my blog. Thanks for letting me use “Friday Favorites”! My new alliteration approach to blogging has me writing a lot more than I used to.
http://lisamongold.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/friday-favorites/
PRECIOUS. Happy Easter!
” You shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
Happy Easter Sophie- go clap your hands!
Powerful message. What church is this in Birmingham and who is the speaker?
My husband and I have been listening to this series since David Platt started in Matthew and ,have had our two kids watch some of them too. This was one of them. Incredible, powerful message. Glory to God! Happy Easter Sophie!
Christy Nockels is a blessing. Her music always ministers to me. Two summers ago I was facing some unexpected “female” surgery and her music stayed close by. Thank you for your recommendations. I really take them to heart. I know this song will bless too. As do you!
Thank you for this post. My mother in law and my step dad have been battling cancer. I am in need of some encouragement. I’m in need of a Easter miracle!
Very nice. Great post, Jen. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Happy Resurrection Sunday dear BooMama! Thanks for all the many ways you encourage us each day.
Auguri! Buona Pasqua!
I have struggled recently, my heart has been hurt deeply in my marriage and music has been a healing blessing. Christy’s song would be a huge encouragement to me!
praying for you, Karen.
He knows your pain.
He is risen, indeed! I love how you said that the knowledge is different than truly believing it . . . and I pray that there may be some readers who will be moved to consider Christ differently because you shared your experience.
Thank you for sharing this. I can’t even think of anything else to type but thank you.
Happy Easter sweet sister. May the fullness of His glory be yours on this precious day!
Be Loved….whoa… this theme has been resonating in my life for over a year now…after attending a conference with a childhood friend last spring where the theme was “Loved” – this has spoken deeply through the stitched up parts of my heart.
As you know we are coming out of a deeply sorrowful month and I have been brought to my knees more times than I can count this month in desperation and tears. Thank you for sharing this song – it is like a soothing balm over my tenderness.
Heart you, sweet friend.
Thanks for the heads up on the song. I’ve not listened to it yet, but will try to.
Hope you and the fam. had a wonderful resurrection Sunday and Happy Easter :)
Happy Easter! I would love a copy of the song. I seem to be in a place where I do need encouragement . Thanks for sharing.
so beautiful!
now if you & bigmama hit hot ‘lanta to hear christy LIVE at passion city church
you better call me now you hear?
ps…you really MUST come to atlanta & visit passion city. oh. my.word.
amazing teaching & the worship is amazing.
happy easter my friend. he is risen!
Thanks so much for sharing. I love Christy but am unemployed so itunes doesn’t fit in the budget yet.
He is Risen!
I have been in a very difficult season desperate for answers on some tough issues in my life…Friday I downloaded Christy’s album and had it on shuffle and repeat for hours on Saturday. It was the balm my heart needed and helped release some of the pent up tears I hadn’t been able to cry….and bring a much needed reminder that the Lord is in the middle of my story loving me!
Thanks for the recommendation. God sent!
I could really, really, really use some encouragement right now. I need a daily reminder tattooed to my head or hand to remind me that God has good plans for my little family, even when it feels like the opposite might be true.
(I have actually been listening to Christy Nockels on repeat lately because her music just ministers to my soul! Love her.)