The Holy Spirit kept bringing some dear friends to my heart that were on a two week vacation during Easter away from their home—so I prayed for them and waited till they returned to touch base. When I called, I could hear from the sound of my friend’s voice that she was very upset and something was wrong. She began to describe the mess they found when they returned home. Their hot water heater had burst and nearly their entire home had been ruined, along with all of this couple’s old pictures of family and friends. Their entire kitchen had to be gutted, floors ripped out, as well as walls and some sub-flooring as well. 

When she entered a guest bedroom, her heart sank as the entire ceiling had caved in and had destroyed everything of value in the room as well. The water that kept pouring in created weak spots and the ceilings caved in on everything under it. 

Her husband shared how a neighbor saw water coming out of the foundation of their home and went to their well to turn off the main water supply when he noticed water running into his own lawn. My friend’s husband shared that if this neighbor had not noticed and turned the water off, the entire house would have had to be bulldozed away. 

Because they were insured, this precious couple has moved out until the insides is torn out, replaced, and made new again. That is what happens to us as believers—we must get out of the way and allow the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out.

As I listened and reflected, I began to think about how we can take nothing with us to heaven but the souls we touch for Jesus and that everything in this life will pass away but the Word of God. That nothing of value here on earth from possessions, positions, power, professions, not even pictures of people gone before us will go with us. Only the people who are born-again and made brand new by the Power of Jesus Christ will spend eternity with God. 

While we have celebrated passover and the resurrection, it would be wisdom to remember a vital part of the full account of what happened during the Passion week of Jesus in smaller pieces to help us recognize that we all have weak spots that need surrendering to God.

Take time to read Luke 22:3-6, (also Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11). 

God will separate his obedient followers from pretenders and unbelievers. The real evidence of our belief is the way we act and how we treat others. 

Why on earth would Judas agree to betray Jesus? Judas, like the other disciples, expected Jesus to start a political rebellion and overthrow Rome. Judas, as treasurer, obviously assumed that he would be given an important position in Jesus’ new government—or did he have fear of losing the place he had attained in power, profession, and possessions? What drove Judas to betray Jesus?

Judas realized that Jesus’ Kingdom was not political or physical but spiritual. Judas’s greedy desire for status and money could not be realized if he followed Jesus, so he betrayed Jesus in exchange for money and favor from the religious leaders and authorities. How could Judas not see that his wrong desires had put him in a position where Satan could manipulate him? While all along, Judas was manipulating and maneuvering for money and position, Satan was at work and entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples. 

Judas went over to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. Can you imagine the delight they had as Judas came to them to help them, promising to turn Jesus over for some kind of reward they promised him? What betrayal.

He began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus, the Son of God, so he could be arrested quietly when the crowds were not around. What deception. 

It was with a kiss that Judas betrayed the Son of God—Jesus. Betrayal comes from people close to us–not strangers. Jesus warned of this happening in Matthew 24:10. 

Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not in any way remove the responsibility from Judas. No matter what Judas might have thought, it was obvious he was not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Never forget that the enemy of our souls—Satan—is good at finding our weak spots and trying to use them for his evil purposes. 

For this reason, we must each surrender and yield every part of our lives to Christ. Choose to recognize your weak spots and yield them to Jesus’ power. We all have them…. 

Each day, we must practice surrender by humbly coming to the foot of the cross in the spirit of repentance and faith, fully surrendering our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Commitment to Christ and surrender are two different things. Commitment is a term where you can have control of the reigns and is something you do. Surrender means giving up control, no manipulation, turning over all to the Master Jesus Christ. Practice daily surrender! It will be well worth it for all eternity. 

The surrendered life is the foundation under everything. Bend the knee and lift your hands toward heaven in an act of surrender of all today. 

Peace won’t be found in sexual relationships, agendas, boardrooms, new houses, new cars, in the political realm, manipulating systems to achieve a desired result, or in anything other than Jesus Christ. He is Peace Himself. 

Don’t put your hope in any man. Don’t put your hope in anything here on earth. This life is only temporal and Jesus is coming back again. Because of the Resurrection, we can have life and Peace. Put your faith in the Lamb of God!

Donkeys, elephants, democrats, republicans, independents—none of these hold the answers to the world’s problems and the present chaos. Jesus warned us of all these things in the Book of Matthew. (Matthew 24)

It is amazing to me that Matthew 24 and the Passion week of Jesus Christ line up today. It is being fulfilled in front of our eyes. 

You can sit comfortably in a nice home to a small apartment and feel safe, but only eternal protection is found in the Lamb of God—Jesus, the Redeemer of the WHOLE WORLD. Because of His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross, we have a Covenant that cannot be annulled. 

I recently taught on the Blood Covenant again at Life Christian University and was reminded …..Unlike man’s agreement which used to be valuable—where a man’s word or handshake was his bond, or in ancient days between people in a tribal covenant—we have a Blood Covenant with Jesus that cannot be annulled. I have often heard….Your life works exactly to the degree that you keep your agreements. An agreement has integrity because you make it, and for no other reason.

The natural mind wants what it wants when it wants it and if an agreement gets in the way, the mind will move toward breaking the agreement in order to get what it wants. Integrity does not rest on what your mind wants but on willingness to keep agreements, no matter what excuses the mind comes up with to break them. Thank God for Jesus who always keeps His Word and who honors His Word even above His Name. Thank God Jesus went to the Cross for the whole world. 

Thank GOD for the Lamb of God—the Redeemer of all mankind. Thank God for His Character and amazing love for all. I love the word all—it means all. He desires that none should perish. 

Jesus went to the cross, died for all mankind, and rose again on the third day. One word from God can change everything. He is the ultimate sacrifice—the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. 

When you truly know Jesus through a born-again experience and relationship, you can experience His resurrection power. You can have life again after walking through heartbreak, hurts, anxiety, loss, and anything else that happens to you in this world. 

I personally know that the Resurrection power of Jesus is still working today. You can read the full account in my second book: A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days at the Mercy Seat)—an up-to-date story of God’s power and divine intervention that gives God glory. 

While today is Easter Sunday and many people went to church, many know about God, some may even be in leadership roles, and have never fully given their whole heart to Jesus or put their faith in Him. Many are so busy doing ministry or work that they have forgotten ministry to the Lord Himself. This can happen to anyone.

Many come to church in search of hope. I believe the worst possible feeling is the one of feeling unwanted and uncared about in this life. That is the ultimate poverty. Jesus came to accept us as His own through redemption. He gave Himself that we would be accepted by God. When we face rejection in this life, we are accepted by God. When we face hardships of any kind, God is with us in the fiery trials of life—from abandonment, abuse, betrayal, cancer, divorce, emotional pain, failures, hurts, loss, and anything else the enemy tries to throw at us—God is with us. We can choose joy as we wait on God—fully trusting the outcomes to Him. 

We have the Good News of the Gospel which produces a contagious joy and freedom like nothing else can give. While Jesus spoke SEVEN sentences from the Cross, we also have the Names of God to reveal His character—and the Truth that He will never break His Word to us. We have a Blood Covenant through the finished work of Jesus on the Cross that cannot be annulled. What a relief and hope for all eternity for all humanity.

Jesus is the LAMB OF GOD (Seh He’Elohim). The Bible says, “The next day John saw Jesus coming unto Him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Jesus is our ultimate sacrifice. He is the fulfillment of the entire system—His sacrifice pays for our past, present, and future sin. He is our Passover Lamb. (see Hebrews 7:26-29).

Jesus is Resurrection and Life (Hatekuman v’haChayim). The Bible says, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live….” (John 11:25).

Death could not hold Jesus, nor can death hold any who are born-again IN HIM. The grave could not keep Him. Death nor the grave have a hold on any of us as believers. We will be raised up with Jesus when He returns. 

Jesus was 100 percent man (born of a virgin), and Christ 100 percent God. In Jesus Christ  we can have abundant life. This is the reason Easter or Resurrection Sunday is a beloved celebration of the life of Jesus. The same resurrection power resides in us as born-again believers. We are crucified with him (our past, present, and future sin), but we are resurrected and made brand new in Him and that is the best part that can never be taken away.

Like Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus when He came to visit the home in Bethany—she chose the best part. (You can read the account in John 11) We must also choose. Life is all about choices. 

Jesus is our Redeemer (Jehovah Go’el). The Bible says, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth…” (Job 19:25). 

Redeem means to purchase or buy back something (or someone). Take time to read the account in the Bible about Boaz and Ruth. In ancient times, customs played a huge role in the lives of people. For example, when a Hebrew became enslaved, it was the custom for the next of kin to pay the necessary price to purchase the relative’s freedom—the part of a “redeemer.” That is what God did for us by giving His Son Jesus as The Lamb and the finished work on the cross. I keep saying FINISHED WORK because it is complete. It is our choice if we miss eternity with God. Our redemption has been paid in full. 

Jesus bore our sorrows. (Ish-Makh-Ovot: Man of Sorrows)

The passion week shows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave for us. The Bible says, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3).

Jesus, who was sinless and perfect, was put on the cross for all mankind. He did it for the joy set before Him. Jesus understands our sorrows and hurts. God cares deeply for all mankind and is present with us today because he went through it all for us. 

 Jesus is our Righteousness (Jehovah-Tzidkenu). The Bible says, “In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety…is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior” (Jeremiah 33:16).

It is through the finished work on the cross that we are made right with God. What an amazing love the Father God has for all mankind. God sees us through His Son. Tzidkenu comes from the Hebrew word: (tsedek) and it means “right, righteous, declared innocent.” 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor. 5:21 NIV)

Take time after Easter to dig deeper into God’s Word. Study His names and be changed from the inside out. You will learn to trust Him in greater measure and learn more about His character and nature. It is key to understanding that God is love, that He has a good plan for your life, and is essential to knowing WHO you are IN CHRIST, and God’s purpose for your life. Since God sees and knows all, why not pray and ask God Himself. 

No matter what you are walking through, God is with you. No matter how terrible the storm, we can survive because God is with us. Don’t allow fear to take over. Reflect and remember that the resurrection power of God resides in us as believers.  

Don’t allow sorrow to stop you from moving forward. Don’t allow doubt to delay your obedience. Don’t allow fear to immobilize you. Look up toward Heaven in faith—Jesus is RISEN. 

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she came to the empty tomb? This life can make you feel empty, but when we keep our trust, hope, and faith in Jesus, we are full of hope and joy—that only comes from a personal relationship with Him. 

The conditions in this present world can seem so impossible that any of us can be tempted to jump ship. Choose to cling to God instead of putting your security in anything other than Jesus. Things that promise security but don’t deliver it—wealth, hard work, alcohol, drugs, worldly wisdom, worldly pleasures, relationships, stuff, and food. Misplaced hopes are dangerous because they keep us from anchoring ourselves in God, the only One who can save us. 

It is amazing to me that Matthew 24 and the Passion week of Jesus Christ line up perfectly. We can see the same happening today—severe betrayal like Judas (from family, friends, business associates), the government and authorities going after Christians, those thinking they are doing God service by killing and murdering those that believe, and the earth quaked at the Cross and darkness fell over the earth. Jesus arose and He is our High Priest in Heaven now, interceding for us that our faith will not fail. He is RISEN indeed and alive forevermore—and is coming back again. 

God is not caught off guard by anything that is happening globally or personally in our lives. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. The present day events are lined up perfectly on God’s timetable and Jesus is coming back again! Pray for your family, friends, and those who have betrayed you—for they would not have done so had they not been blinded by Satan. 

Do not let your heart be troubled. JESUS is ALIVE! 

HIS love and mine,

Deborah Starczewski

Other books by Deborah: THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?) and GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed, and Know Your Purpose)…moving from drama to destiny.  Available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Xulon.com, etc. 

Always remember, God has the final Word! Trust Him!

EASTER SUNDAY, What is it really about?

While surprising our kids with Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies and other candies, family gatherings, and Easter Brunch at many hotels, it is not really about the bunnies or candy. It is important that we gather as a family and remember and reflect on what is important in this life, but let’s look a little deeper. 

Eternity matters! If you don’t believe me now, I can assure you that you will when you die or the rapture takes place. Resurrection Sunday (Easter) is this coming Sunday and I am so thankful for the price Jesus paid on the Cross for the whole world’s sin. Jesus is alive and I am grateful that He still raises the dead. He raised my husband up from early death in 2012, healed him from two strokes, and two open-heart surgeries. He is still alive because of the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ. You can read the full account in my second book: A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days at the Mercy Seat)… an amazing up-to-date resurrection story of God’s divine intervention and miracles. The book will give you hope to believe for anything in your life.  

That same resurrection power resides in you and I as believers in Jesus. What an amazing Truth!

This is an amazing time of year with trees and flowers blooming but more importantly, a time to reflect on the everlasting Truth of God’s Word—Jesus—the Word made flesh—who was crucified, buried and rose again that we might have eternal life. When we put His Word in our hearts—we bloom with His love toward others and have divine perspective, which propels us through passion for His purposes.

Eternity matters in the big picture of life. I pray you take time to reflect on the unfailing love of God and the unfailing reality of “God is with us” today and our SOON COMING KING. 

Jesus rode on the “foal” (or donkey) because his mission was one of peace, while the crowd shouted “Hosanna” (which is Hebrew for “SAVE NOW”)…..but He is coming back on a white horse. The disciples didn’t understand that Jesus had to go to the cross nor did they understand the words He spoke about His death and resurrection until they were fulfilled. 

In John 12:15 the “foal” was an animal that had never borne a burden (Jesus is likened as our “beast of burden”)—where we are to cast our cares over upon him like tossing a blanket on a beast of burden that walks alongside us. 

The “foal” was therefore young and inexperienced. A King would ride such an untrained beast when he was on a mission of peace, whereas he would ride a mature, trained horse when on a mission of war (see Revelation 19:11 where Jesus comes on a white horse). A good friend of mine who is also a minister called and shared a dream he had recently—he saw the Lord Jesus riding on a white horse coming in the clouds. God is speaking to all who are listening and watching for His return. 

Choose to “stand near the Cross” as a reminder of the high cost Jesus paid for our redemption, and as a way to acknowledge our need of God. Everyone and everything is level at the Cross. How can anyone be arrogant who stands near the cross? Nothing but the Cross of Jesus Christ can give us the spirit of humility. 

Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Christ. This will empower each of us to mortify or crucify the flesh and set our affection on Jesus. How do we do this? By choosing God’s Ways over our own. 

Pray with me:  “Father, I want to stay close to the Cross of Christ—fully acknowledging my need of Jesus. I declare my dependence upon God, and in this way I am humbling myself before God.”

Choose to take control of your thoughts—and the words you speak over yourself and others. Don’t believe the lies from the enemy. Spend more time in the Word of God and less time listening to the lies of the enemy. Think about the love of God and the high cost Jesus paid on the Cross. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

Set your affection upon Jesus—and be preoccupied with the divine perspective (God’s view of everything) that makes possible the deepest affection for others, as well as ministry to them. This cultivates a heart of humility—one more concerned with God’s glory than our own, and more intent on serving others than ourselves.

The Bible says, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness know through all generations.” (Psalm 89:1) 

Choose to live out of the resurrection power of God, obeying the smallest instruction, and watch God bring dead things to life again. God is the author of your life and ONLY He has the final say. Appreciate your family and friends. More importantly, appreciate God with a heart of adoration. We have all we need in Jesus—through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the KING of kings, and the LORD of lords—and He is coming back again!

He is Risen indeed!

Dr. Deborah Starczewski

Speaker/Evangelist/Author

Author of:

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days at the Mercy Seat)

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back to God?)

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose)….it’s about moving from drama to destiny. 

www.starministriesinc.com

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, xulon.com (Xulon bookstore), etc.