Yesterday we celebrated Easter, one of the two most important holidays in Christianity. I know the original holiday was a celebration of the coming of spring and fertility, but Christianity transformed it into a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death on the cross. The original holiday celebrated the end of the dreary days of winter and the coming of new life with spring. The Easter we know celebrates the same thing—the end of the dreary life we knew and the coming of real life with Jesus. Jesus stated in John 10:10 that he came to give us life, “real and eternal, more and better life than we ever dreamed or imagined.”
Today in our country, there is a dreary fog that seems to be hanging over us. We watch day after day as our government fruitlessly tries to fire up our economy by throwing more money at the problem. The news agencies continually report of greedy and crooked executives and politicians. Most of us have been personally affected by the economic woes, or we know someone who has lost a home, lost a job, failed in business, or took a pay cut. What a great time for an Easter celebration!
I have learned an extremely valuable key to winning in any environment. Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do. When we focus on what we can’t do, it won’t be long before we will be finding fault or placing blame. “I can’t” reinforces the feelings of helplessness and resignation. Instead, focus on what you can do in every situation.
One of the greatest miracles in the Bible is the feeding of the 5000 men and their families. Jesus is surrounded by this huge hungry crown and astounds his 12 disciples when he says, “Let’s feed them.” Their response, probably like ours, was, “Where are we going to get the money to do that?” The miracle happened when Jesus was able to get the disciples to move their focus from what they could not do—“Where are we going to find enough bread”—to what they could do—“Bring me what you have.” They had a few pieces of fish and bread. They gave Jesus what they had and he took that natural offering and turned it into a supernatural miracle!There is no power in what we can’t do, but there is always power in what we can do, if we will remember who lives inside of us. Instead of giving into the hopelessness of the headlines and focusing on what you don’t have or can’t do, look at what you do have and can do. One thing you have is your attitude. Fill it with hope. Bring it to Jesus and he’ll come alongside you and make something supernatural happen. Remember, that’s what Easter is all about—the end of dreary life and the beginning of real life!
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
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