The Easter Story

Today we remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most of us will choose not to eat any meat, others of us may choose to fast and the majority of us will find ourselves in church listening to the familiar 7 last words and reliving that very special event that took place over 2000 years ago.  What does the last seven words mean to you? What did He mean when He said It is finished? Why is Easter so special?

  Here are some things that go through my mind each time the Easter season comes around- lets turn to Isaiah 53:4-5-Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 

 

I am greatful that He did not just die for my sins but that He also took away all my grief and my sorrows. So as His children, we should not be carrying what he took away from us so many years ago. The time of hauling around my sorrows and grief "is finished". Our grief and our sorrow caused Him to look as one diseased and punished by God. Jesus did this for us so that we would not have to be burdened down and be full of sorrow- He exchanged our grief and sorrow for contentment and joy. Do not just see the suffering but the reason He suffered. Isaiah gives us the answer in the remainder of the verse: for our transgressions . . . for our iniquities

 

It was in our place that the Messiah suffered. To be wounded means

to be literally "pierced through." His suffering went to the core of His being.Through His suffering we were ensured peace- it is guaranteed. It is finished, all you and I need to do is receive the peace. The price has been paid. 

"And by His stripes we are healed: this is showing us that the provision for our healing is found in the suffering of Jesus. It is finished. As I reflect on these words, I am humbled to know that I could be so loved, that even before my great grandparents met, the provision was already made for all my sins, grief, sorrow, peace, and  healing. I also realize that this same act of love was also for my children, and so it is important that they also know that and understand how they too are loved. So make it your duty to let them know the fantastic meaning of Easter.

 

In His Service,

 

Vilma

  

PUSHING Through Your Pain

I hope this week was a good one for you. My week was somewhat challenging especially today. You may not know or probably don’t remember but today was exactly 1 year ago that I unexpectedly lost my 28 year old son.  At the moment it was as if my world came crashing down around me. It was a significant jolt to me and my family. There had to be some substantial adjustment, refocus and a change of perspective. However through your prayers and Gods faithfulness that He will never leave or forsake us- I am still standing. The journey has not been a smooth one; there were days that I had to crawl, other days I was limping, there were days when I was able to actually walk and there were those days that I could run. I tried at all times to maintain my focus on God, and his love for me and the knowledge that He never intends to cause us pain. There were days when I had to speak loudly to myself “God knows how to turn your situation around for His glory” and this helped me to move on.

In life we will meet challenges, but it is not about the challenge instead it is how you choose to handle it.  Hebrews 4: 15-16 tells us: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

As mothers I do not know what you may be going through or dealing with- a sick child, a wayward child, or a child who is incarcerated. Perhaps it is a child who you have no idea where he or she is; maybe it is a child that has hurt you so badly you have built up a spirit of resentment towards them. Whatever it is do not allow it to overwhelm you.  My advice to you is not to give up. Make the choice to push through the Pain that you may be feeling. 2 Cor. 12:9a But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Allow God to carry you on his shoulders as you go through your stormy sea. As the song says: “I am strong when I am on your shoulders you raise me up to be more that I can be” In our strength we cannot do it, so allow God to take over.

If you can, Join my husband and I tomorrow as we share God’s word” Overcoming Loss: The Healing Journey” at Rebuilders Apostolic Ministry 2541 Church Rod, Bear DE.

In His Service,

Vilma

Prayer for Wisdom and Understanding

As a reminder March is considered "nutrition month" I hope you are able to read the daily healthy road tips that I have been posting on my Face book page on healthy nutrition and physical activity. If you have not seen them- visit my face book page: mpush810 or visit my website at www.mpush.org. These are really simple Before you decide they are too challenging, give it a try, you may be surprised at what you are able to accomplish.  Let me share with you something I was always told as a young girl growing up:” If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again”

This is something that we all need to practice as well as to use as a motivation for our children. Giving up is a very easy thing to do, on the other hand it takes a lot of stamina to stay the course. Phil 4:13 reminds us “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  As mothers we are blessed with the unique ability to stay the course, to P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) through our difficult, painful times to ensure that our children walk in obedience to God and fulfill their destiny.  As I often remind you praying for our children is never an option. It is not about the length of your prayers, but more so the sincerity and consistency.  As I often remind us, it is also necessary to pray for other children as well, because when you thing about it, they are the ones your children will associate with, will go to school with, work with, fall in love with and marry. 

One of the things we all want for our children is that they will have within them the spirit of wisdom and understanding through the revelation of who God is. This will determine how they operate their lives and the decisions that they make daily.

 Hence our prayer for our children this week comes from Ephesians 1:17-19 which I will paraphrase.  Lord give our children the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, and the knowledge of You, that the eyes of their hearts be enlightened, that they will know the hope to which You have called them, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and His Incomparable great power for us who believe.

In His Service,

Vilma

A Self-Controlled Life

I hope you had a great week. The month of march is  "Nutrition" month, please check out my healthy road tips at www.mpush.org/health_corner.html  I hope you will be able to participate and go on this my healthy road journey for this month. The aim of this exercise is to develop the habit to eat healthy and exercise regularly, and doing so with no financial cost attached or worries about having enough space. For those who regularly exercise just keep on doing you’re thing.

 I would like to thank all of you who were able to participate in our first webinar last Saturday. The webinar went extremely well and it was great to have participants from Canada, Georgia, Florida, Jamaica, and Virginia and of course my faithful Delawareans.

 

This brings me to our subject for discussion today which is “self-control” also known as “temperance” in some translations- a fruit of the Spirit. The Unger’s Bible dictionary defines self-control as the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions especially his sensual appetites. The root of this Greek word means “strong in a thing” or “masterful”. Self-mastery or like a strength over oneself.

We can all agree that “self-control” requires a lot of strength, sometimes more than we care to give. However, we must or we would run wild. Not only would we overdo not know when to stop, but we would underdo some things not knowing when to start- procrastination.

 

In I Cor. 9:24-27 Paul talks about running a race and having to discipline his body like an athlete, training it to do what he wants it to do. Paul wanted to make sure that in the end he himself would not be a “castaway”.

From this passage we can learn four principles of a self-control life. Firstly a self-controlled life is goal-oriented v. 24- to win the prize.

Secondly a self-control life is disciplined v 25 - goes into strict training. Thirdly a self-control life is focused v 26 - does not run like someone aimlessly and finally a self-controlled life involves participation of the entire body v 27-I beat my body daily to do what I want it to do.

 As Christians we are expected to have a self-control life- there is no question about it. However it takes willingness on our part to say no to ourselves and yes to God. As difficult as it may get we have within us what it takes to be successful at it.

 Let us pray for a life of self-control for ourselves as well as for our children. Not only do we want them to have restraints, but we also want them to be motivated, self-starters going through life with a goal in mind, disciplined, and focused in mind body and spirit.

  In His Service,

 

Vilma

Travelling the Healthy Road

I hope you are doing well. Can you imagine that we are already in the month of March?  In 20 days it will be spring and before you know it summer will be here. So it is that time to get in shape. We will need to shed any unwanted pounds, trim those muscles and firm up those abs. I am not suggesting that you go on a diet, frankly speaking I hate diets, I am however proposing that for the month of March that we strive to eat as healthy as we can and make an effort to exercise daily. In the end you are setting an example for your children.

What does this have to do with M.P.U.S.H?  I am so glad you ask.  As mothers we need to maintain our health to be able to do the 101 things that we find ourselves doing for everyone.  In addition regardless of how much you pray and how spiritual you maybe, if you are sick, tired and worn down you will not have the strength to pray as you should.  In I Cor. 6:19-20 we are reminded that our body is the temple of God and that we were bought with a price and should glorify God not only in our spirit but also with our bodies.  The word bought suggests that we are not the owners of our bodies. I am a strong believer in taking good care of what does not belong to me. One way to do this is to eat healthy and exercise regularly to avoid getting certain medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. It is even more important when these conditions run in our families.

 Did you know that it is God’s desire that we be in good health?  3 John: 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (KJV).

So for this month we are going to invest some time in our health and well- being. Remember we are 3-part beings, not just Spirit but also Soul and Body. I got me some braids, one less thing to worry about when I work up a sweat.

Here are some General rules: Write down specific and attainable goals that you would like to achieve by the end of the month. Start out slow especially if you have not done this before and remember Quitting is not an option- PUSH through.

Daily: Try to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables at least 5 servings daily. Decrease your intake of juice and Sodas and increase your intake of water. Try 2% instead of whole milk.  Please expect some daily healthy suggestions as we travel our healthy road together.  

In His Service,

Vilma

Please make sure that you sign up for the Webinar taking place tomorrow at 4p which replaces our regular meeting.