Tag: Jesus’ death

The Hope of Easter

Posted on by Staci Mauney

[Jesus] told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.” (Luke 24:46-47)

During Holy Week, we were reminded that the culmination of this season is Easter Sunday, when we observe Jesus’s resurrection. From Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the Lord’s Supper to the betrayal by Judas just a few days later, Holy Week is a whirlwind of ups and downs that mimic our own lives today.

As we celebrate Easter this year, remember the true meaning, which is found in the following truth: Jesus overcame death. He was humiliated and offered as a sacrifice on the cross. He died and rose from the grave, confirming he was the Son of God.

Continue reading “The Hope of Easter” →

Finding My Way Back to Center

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” (Ps. 71:5)

Several months ago, my workload increased to the point where I was working upwards of ten to twelve hours a day, seven days a week, consistently for almost four months. While I was excited that my business was doing so well, working those kinds of hours took a toll. I let a number of things slide—things like my blogs and social media posts and my next cozy mystery—things I had worked hard to build but didn’t have time to maintain. I didn’t participate in get togethers with friends because I had deadlines to meet. I stopped reaching out as much. I started reading books and Bible studies that I still haven’t finished. Continue reading “Finding My Way Back to Center” →

The Hope of the Resurrection

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Pt 1:3)

Christmas and Easter are both big celebrations for Christians. Even those who don’t believe celebrate these holidays, too, but in much different ways than we do.

As a child, I didn’t understand the importance of Easter. The church I grew up in was more focused on what you wore than on passion plays or sunrise services. I remember scrambling to arrive at church early so we could find a seat and wearing a new dress (I loved to dress up). I couldn’t figure out where all the people came from. I knew everyone at church, or so I thought. Continue reading “The Hope of the Resurrection” →

Celebrating Easter During a Crisis

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pt 1:3).

With so much going on in the world around us right now, it’s easy to focus on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the problems it’s causing. When I’m not careful about the media I consume, I get lost in the dire news predictions. My attention moves from God and what I know is true about him to fear and uncertainty.

Even though I want to focus on God, I let the chaos around me take my attention. In fact, I realized I had almost forgotten about Easter when I opened my YouVersion Bible app and saw the Easter Bible study plans there. Continue reading “Celebrating Easter During a Crisis” →