40 Days.
That’s how long Jesus walked this earth after he rose from the grave.
“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3
The disciples had 40 days to sit at his feet.
40 days to soak up the new perspective of “Kingdom” His resurrected body was providing.
40 days to get to know their Friend, Brother, Teacher, face to face and step by step.
Then Jesus ascended, fulfilling His promise to send the Holy Spirit, so that EVERYONE who accepts Christ as Savior, can know Him intimately. (See Acts 3:4-5, 8; also John 16:7-17)
I am grateful for the Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for me to also intimately know Jesus. So I have embarked on my own journey of 40 days, post-Easter, to investigate and draw close to our resurrected Savior.
Sunday marked the end of my 40 day fast, exploring His sacrifice. I think these next 40 days of celebrating Him will help me linger in the promise of new life.
Every day, I will explore ONE thing Jesus’ resurrection provides for my life. Today, it is…
A Fresh Start!
Like a new hair cut, the resurrection completes its work in my soul making me feel lighter, fresher, and at ease.
When I donated my hair a few weeks ago, my neck muscles started to spasm from the relief of weight lifted. I think we all need to take a moment to let the full weightlessness of Jesus rising from the grave sink in to (or rather, lift off of!) our souls.
How burden-less we should become when we trust Jesus. Not just because He crucified the weight of our sin to the cross, and buried it in the grave, but because He left it there!
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19
How at ease our hearts can be in light of Jesus’ power. If he can rise from the dead, He can surely carry our anxieties if we but cast them onto Him.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25
Activity:
Today, freshen up your appearance as a tangible reminder of the fresh start we received at Easter. If you don’t want to brave a hair cut, try a new nail polish color or a Spring-time blouse. Freshen up your home with a little Spring Cleaning in honor of the Fresh Start.
I chose to give someone else a fresh start too, by donating my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Another way to give back through your fresh start is to shop home and fashion goods at Bought Beautifully, a site dedicated to collaborating gorgeous items from organizations and companies around the world, giving jobs to keep men and women and children out of poverty and slavery.
He is Risen! Be refreshed.
Campfire Check In:
What is one thing Christ’s resurrection does for you?
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