"Paul likewise felt indebted. Christ had sacrificed Himself to pay for Paul’s sins and set him free from judgment and death. Paul’s response? “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise” (Rom. 1:14). Why was he indebted to them? The Greeks and barbarians hadn’t died for him, nor had the wise or the unwise. But Christ had. The sacrifice of the Son of God on his behalf was so overwhelming to Paul that he felt he owed it to everyone to make sure they heard of God’s redeeming love. His sense of indebtedness to Christ made him a debtor to all who needed the Savior.

We can’t earn God’s gift of love, but we have an obligation to share it with others who need Him. —Bill Crowder

Keep me faithful, keep me grateful,
This my earnest plea each day!
Keep me serving, keep me telling
Of His love while yet I may! —Thiesen

We can never sacrifice too much for Him who sacrificed His all for us." Our Daily Bread

This weekend was a long one (hence the 2 days off last week). Easter weekend. God once again orchestrated everything perfectly. We had plenty of time to spend with family, playing games, relaxing, eating, talking. Michael had a good interview (we won't hear the results for a few weeks). We looked around the area at subdivisions/houses for sale. Grandma and Grandpa got some grandkid time. We even got to see my side of the family as they were passing through - mom and dad, my sis and her fiance, and her 3 year old future stepson Javan who Edward adores. I got some time to myself reading, borrowed a book that the Lord is using to make big changes in me (part of the Holy Spirit theme we've got going right now), asked forgiveness from my brother-in-law, spent a sunrise with God as part of my bible study homework (that I have actually been doing more regularly throughout the week!)... Yet, on Easter Sunday morning, I got up in the usual way and sensed nothing special. I realized that I had not done anything to anticipate the occasion with Edward, and that morning in church I had no fresh Word from my Savior. Part of it is because I am always distracted and have difficulty appreciating the pastor's preaching style at my in-law's church. But that's not anyone's fault but my own.

Lord, I confess to You that my head was anywhere but focused on You, and my heart was clouded with pride on the day of the celebration of Your Son's resurrection. What a shame it is when holy days go by without being cherished... I remember when I was younger, every holiday was exciting and we waited with eagerness for each to arrive. Now they come and go without much to-do. Father, help restore the enchantment of the seasons to my life! Edward will be old enough this year to have memories that last to adulthood and to understand much more than he ever has. Give me the motivated energy and creativity to make them wondrous.

Father God, I am SO encouraged by the truths You have uncovered to me through the book I am reading. What an amazing person the Holy Spirit is! Holy Spirit, THANK YOU for filling me up with power and doing Your good work from the core out. The Christian life is impossible without the direction and "sap" You provide daily. Help me recognize Your presence more than I ever have and to learn to surrender myself and depend on You completely for my every move so that I can honestly say "it is not I, but Christ IN ME who does it." I am ready to take on the world! Everything I need is already available - You are waiting for me to step out in faith! ....Step one.

I love You, Father, Son, and Spirit. Make this truer today than it was yesterday.