As Easter fast approaches us don't let the obstacles to the Lord's Grace in the resurrection story get in your way.  The phrase "obstacle to Grace" may not be that familiar to you but it simply means anything less than the Lord's perfect work and splendor that can block our willingness or ability to see and experience the Grace Jesus has for us.  So, for example, an obstacle to Grace could be your sin(s), other's sin(s), everyone's sin(s), a tragedy, a disappointment, a problem, illness, etc.  One of the greatest obstacles to Grace is death.  In the event that you have never suffered the loss of a loved one around Easter than it may be a greater challenge to your capabilities to deeply feel bothe the pain of loss through death and the thrill of resurrection through faith experience simultaneously.  Most of us have been readily taught about Christ's victory over His own death and that His victory gains for us lifein the hereafter but His resurrection gains eternal life NOW for those who trust Him and it allows us victory over any obstacle to Grace that crosses our path including death!  If you ever lose a loved one at Easter the Holy Spirit is very willing to make this truth very real and present for you in your time of grief.

I am experiencing that incredible Grace filled phenomenon right now.  I'll explain that in a moment.  I encountered the LORD's power like this six years ago when my precious mother passed away six days before Easter in 2004.  I've always enjoyed Easter and have longed to see the power of Christ's resurrection unfold even more in my own life as I thought about His Grace for me. When my mother died, as normal, GOD was better than faithful.  I experienced His Grace made real to me throughh that turbulent unexpected tribulation.  Mother died after a brief illness that gave no warning her time on Earth was complete.  There I was, a son, left to handle her estate matters unexpectedly.  A father, who had three children who wanted to know what hadhappened to their Me-Me so suddenly.  A husband, that became very unavailable for a month after Mom's death due to normal duties one has after a parent's death come unexpectedly and a pastor who really wanted to convey to his church family how very powerful the Holy Spirit works in the truth of resurrection.  I needed a resurrection myself by the timeEaster arrived.  Mom's funeral was the day before Easter.  The LORD's presence was with us in that time as clear as ever before!  Afterwards, I realized that even my mother's death had not stopped the faithfulness of GOD to express His Grace to me and others.  But this was especially true to and for me. 

Now back on how I am encountering that Grace again right now.  A relative of mine, Rosalyn Venable, passed away on March 15th.  If I had not already had a mother, Rosalyn would have been on my list to be my mother.  She already had four children but maybe a fifth one wouldn't have broke her.  I've know Sam & Rosalyn for  years way back into my childhood.  rosalyn became ill into the New Year and was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She lived only a few months after discovery.  I know her family is hurt and needs our prayers for healing.  And like my mother's death, Rosalyn has graduated on to Heaven in the Esater season.  I trust that her family will still find the ocasion to celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter. My mother is celebrating.  Rosalyn Venable is celebrating.  If Jesus taught us to pray and to receive the revelation that what is in the LORD's prayer is to be our reality here, "They will be done on arth as it is in Heaven", then we who know Christ can always celebrate His fresh Grace for us in any season no matter what.  This is very true at Easter.  The resurrection always brings Grace to us when needed year round.  At Easter I believe we can get a double dose of the Holy Ghost's message, "Behold I wa dead and now I am alive fr ever and ever!  And I hold the keys of death and hell."  I Praise out risen LORD.  He is so faithful!!  To God be the glory!!!

In memory of Margaret Reeves and Rosalyn Venable.

More resurrection to you,

Pastor Robert