PUSHING THE “RESET” BUTTON

I absolutely love Spring, don’t you? The snow is gone, the sun is shining, the abundance and variety of our Minnesota trees are budding, and the ice is thawing from our states 10,000+ lakes. I love it! Tracy and I have enjoyed seeing the robins and cardinals return to our yard. Watching Mr. and Mrs. Canadian goose (as we have named them) nesting near bye. And we often see magnificent bald eagles…and all from our picture window. Soon we will be hiking, biking, and enjoying all the fun activities of summer. Spring is in the air! It’s super exciting, especially after a long, tough winter season.

In conjunction with of all that excitement however, I can’t ignore the tug on my heart as the Lord is reminding me that there are some of you who have been going through a very hard time. A time in your life that could easily equate to a very tough winter season. Maybe it even equates to a blizzard or a terrible storm, and you are wondering if your spring and summer will ever come. Perhaps you have made some mistakes and you are wondering if or how you can ever recover…asking yourself if the sun will ever shine for you again. Ever wish you could just push the “RESET” button?

I’ve got great news! Spring is here for you too. Spring is a time of new beginnings. God is your reset button, and he absolutely will help you if you let him. Your situation is NOT too difficult for Him. Listen, we have all made mistakes, but our hope is in the Lord. Possibly you are thinking you are out of the reach of Gods favor. Not true! There is a lie that has encircled our society that says that you have to be extra good and do just right in order for Jesus to accept or come along your side. This is an absolute lie which originated from the enemy of your soul, and nothing could be further from the truth.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus was drawn to those were hurting, those who have screwed-up and made mistakes. And we all have been there. You are not too far from His outstretched hand. He sees you where you are right now. Forgiveness was bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. Stop trying to fix yourself and your situation first, thinking “then maybe God will come along side of me.” You will never do it! You cannot clean yourself up in order to receive forgiveness and God’s help. No, He sees you right now in the middle of your situation. Come as you are. He is a good father who loves and gives good gifts to his kids.

Easter, like Spring, also speaks of new beginnings. Jesus Christ died with His arms stretched wide for all who will receive Him. Perhaps today you are battling depression, hurt, doubt, or sorrow from past mistakes. Jesus is reaching out to you at this very moment. He is the game changer. He is the way maker. He says, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28

Friend, I don’t know the specifics of your life, your past failures, or your current situation. But I can promise that Jesus knows every detail. I can also promise that His posture toward you is not with a pointing finger and a scowl upon his face. No, it is with a warm gentle smile and with arms wide open. Won’t you turn to Him today? I’m not talking about merely attending church or saying you will try to be a better person. I’m talking about turning your life over to Him and grabbing hold of His outstretched hand. I’m telling you, It’s the best decision you could ever make.

I specifically remember my first Easter Sunday after completely giving my heart to the Lord. It was profound! Everything clicked. At 22 years old, it was as if I had heard the Easter story for the very first time…and I had grown-up going to church. Did you know that current research shows that more people are searching for a church around Easter than at any other time? I encourage you today, find a church where the full gospel is preached. Look for one where you will be challenged and will grow in your faith. One that is vibrant and full of life, open to the Holy Spirit while not compromising from Scripture.

Spring time is so wonderful in many ways, but nothing is more wonderful than having the hope and the confidence that in Jesus we have a friend that is closer than a brother. And that even when we have made mistakes, He is there to pick us up and lead us in the right direction.

God bless you and yours today friends as you turn your hearts toward Jesus. Happy Easter!

Blessed by the Best,

Mark