Faith

James 1:2-4 (ESV) 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (ESV)

Rejoice always,   pray without ceasing,   give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.

Thank You, Father, for wanting to lead us into complete freedom in every area of our lives.  Teach us how to steward the love, the grace, the mercy that you have so bountifully bestowed.  Help us to be obedient.  

In love, we honor You.  In love, we joyfully anticipate the unseen realm breaking into the seen realm, Your kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven.  In love, we thank You for gifts not yet received and prayers not yet answered.  Amen. 

RISEN! The Strife is O’er, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

reposted from 2009, with an updated music link

(art credit: Web Gallery of Art)

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LISTEN: The Strife is O’er

(Truro Cathedral Choir, from the Album Easter Joy, iTunes link)

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The strife is o’er, the battle done;
The victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst;
But Christ their legions hath dispersed;
Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped;
He rises glorious from the dead;
All glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell;
The bars from heaven’s high portals fell;
Let hymns of praise His triumphs tell! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free,
That we may live, and sing to Thee: Alleluia!

Easter crafts, stories, puzzles, games… from TeacherHelp.org

Our Easter Links sidebar has been quite “skimpy” since we first created it in 2009.  So yesterday I did some research to find more links to add.

I found a great site that is worth a stand alone entry:

“A Glorious Easter” – a page of Easter Resources for Christian Teachers, from the website TeacherHelp.Org.

It’s chock full of craft ideas, stories, puzzles, games, puppet shows, songs, recipes, sermons for kids’ services.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

Definitely this is a must-visit site for Sunday School teachers, home-schoolers, and any parent wanting ideas to help celebrate the 50 days of the Easter Season.  This provides LOTS of ideas!

There is also an Advent – Christmas page at the same site which I will be adding to our Advent links collection.