It is truly "holy ground" to reflect on the Cross — what our Lord went through … but more than that, what He accomplished there. Would you meditate along with me ... and revisit Christ's seven sayings from the Cross? [links below]
What a perfect preparation for the joy, freedom, and release of the Resurrection.
Read MoreA few years ago, I came across an inspiring cartoon in my "Easter" file (See enlarged image below). I think my husband John, who had been the family reader of the Sunday funnies in years gone by, cut it out and gave it to me back in April 2001. So there in my file, this little treasure has been tucked away for all these years.
For those of you who have been following the Lenten Meditations on a branch in the Vine, this piece serves as a fitting climax during Holy Week.
Read MoreWhere do you go to commune with your God?
Do you go to a chapel or a church? to a favorite place near a stream, at a mountain retreat, or on a beach? Do you go to a "prayer closet," a special place in your own home?
But maybe you are frustrated because there never seems to be a "place" where you can go. Maybe you're a mom with young children or a special needs child. Perhaps you are a working mom or a worker who needs to moonlight at a second job to make ends meet. Maybe you or a loved one has a handicap or serious illness that takes you to services and medical places that seem to consume your life. Where is the place for you?
I have good news for all of us ...
Read MoreA few years ago, I came across an inspiring cartoon in my "Easter" file (See enlarged image below). I think my husband John, who had been the family reader of the Sunday funnies in years gone by, cut it out and gave it to me back in April 2001. So there in my file, this little treasure has been tucked away for all these years.
For those of you who have been following the Lenten Meditations on a branch in the Vine, this piece serves as a fitting climax during Holy Week.
Read MoreHow to refocus on Christ and the Cross during these unsettling, fear-filled days of the COVID-19 pandemic? I usually post a review of all of our Lord’s beautiful final words before His death on the Cross during Holy Week.
But I decided this year to share this post at the beginning of each of the remaining weeks of Lent. It will take us back “beneath the Cross” via links to each saying and also via an amazing “cartoon” from days gone by — B.C. (Johnny Hart).
I love this post because it was such a serendipitous delight to find this clipping in my file a few years ago. So I can't help but share it year by year.
Would you meditate along with me ... and revisit Christ's seven sayings for the Cross this week? [See links below] It's truly "holy ground" as we reflect on the Cross, what our Lord went through, but mainly, what He accomplished there. What a perfect preparation for the joy, freedom, and release of the Resurrection.
Read MoreA few years ago, I came across an inspiring cartoon in my "Easter" file (See enlarged image below). I think my husband John, who had been the family reader of the Sunday funnies in years gone by, cut it out and gave it to me back in April 2001. So there in my file, this little treasure has been tucked away for all these years.
For those of you who have been following the Lenten Meditations on a branch in the Vine, this piece serves as a fitting climax during Holy Week.
Read MoreWhere do you go to commune with your God?
Do you go to a chapel or a church? to a favorite place near a stream, at a mountain retreat, or on a beach? Do you go to a "prayer closet," a special place in your own home?
But maybe you are frustrated because there never seems to be a "place" where you can go. Maybe you're a mom with young children or a special needs child. Perhaps you are a working mom or a worker who needs to moonlight at a second job to make ends meet. Maybe you or a loved one has a handicap or serious illness that takes you to services and medical places that seem to consume your life. Where is the place for you?
I have good news for all of us ...
Read MoreWhere do you go to commune with your God?
Do you go to a chapel or a church? to a favorite place near a stream, at a mountain retreat, or on a beach? Do you go to a "prayer closet," a special place in your own home?
But maybe you are frustrated because there never seems to be a "place" where you can go. Maybe you're a mom with young children or a special needs child. Perhaps you are a working mom or a worker who needs to moonlight at a second job to make ends meet. Maybe you or a loved one has a handicap or serious illness that takes you to services and medical places that seem to consume your life. Where is the place for you?
I have good news for all of us ...
Read MoreI love this post because it was such a serendipitous delight to find this clipping in my file a few years ago. So I can't help but share it year by year.
Would you meditate along with me ... and revisit Christ's seven sayings for the Cross this holy week? It's truly "holy ground" as we reflect on the Cross, what our Lord went through, but mainly, what He accomplished there. What a perfect preparation for the joy, freedom, and release of the Resurrection.
A few years ago, I came across an inspiring cartoon in my "Easter" file. I think my husband John (who had been the family reader of the Sunday funnies in years gone by) cut it out and gave it to me back in April 2001. So there in my file, this little treasure has been tucked away for all these years.
For those of you who have been following the Lenten Meditations on a branch in the Vine, this piece serves as a fitting climax during Holy Week, which corresponds to Passover this year.
There's an interesting story behind this controversial cartoon. Apparently for Easter 2001, cartoonist Johnny Hart wanted to do something special. He stated,
I noticed one day that the center section of the Menorah -- the sacred symbol of Judaism, bore the shape of the cross. I wanted everyone to see the cross in the Menorah. It was a revelation to me, that tied God's chosen people to their spiritual next of kin -- the disciples of the Risen Christ. http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/BCcomics_easter.htm
Take a look at the enlarged version below. And then peer deeply into the empty tomb, and remember HIM!
Behold the Lamb (Communion Song)
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,Slain for us - and we rememberThe promise made that all who come in faithFind forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life,And we drink of His sacrificeAs a sign of our bonds of peaceAround the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,Torn for you - eat and rememberThe wounds that heal, the death that brings us lifePaid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life,And we drink of His sacrificeAs a sign of our bonds of loveAround the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,Shed for you - drink and rememberHe drained death's cup that all may enter inTo receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life,And we drink of His sacrificeAs a sign of our bonds of graceAround the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we riseTo respond, - and to rememberOur call to follow in the steps of ChristAs His body here on earth.
As we share in His sufferingWe proclaim Christ will come again!And we’ll join in the feast of heavenAround the table of the King
Words and Music by Keith and Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend
Devotions for Holy Week:
Perhaps for the days of Holy Week, you would like to meditate on Christ's sayings one by one. Here is a summary of the links from our Lenten Meditations at A Branch in the Vine.
Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 -- a Word of Forgiveness
I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43 -- a Word of Salvation
Dear woman, here is your son...Here is your mother. John 19:26-27 -- a Word of Family Affection
My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Matthew 27:46 -- a Word of Abandonment
I am thirsty. John 19:28 -- a Word of Personal Need
It is finished! John 19:30 -- a Word of Completion
Father, into your hands I commit My spirit. Luke 23:46 -- a Word of Reunion
How appropriate is Communion, the Eucharist (thanks - grace - joy all rolled into one celebration) at the end of this week. We have pondered the blood-side of the Cross...Christ died for us, for our sins, so we could have forgiveness
and
we have pondered the body-side of the Cross...we died united with Christ, in Him, so that we could have life...HIS life!
So we read...
...on the night before He died,
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it[a] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:14-20
and after the resurrection on the road to Emmaus...
25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:25-32
And so we eat and drink and give thanks...join us with your cup of juice and piece of bread:
Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, Slain for us - and we remember The promise made that all who come in faith Find forgiveness at the cross. So we share in this bread of life, And we drink of His sacrifice As a sign of our bonds of peace Around the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Torn for you - eat and remember The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life Paid the price to make us one. So we share in this bread of life, And we drink of His sacrifice As a sign of our bonds of love Around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, Shed for you - drink and remember He drained death's cup that all may enter in To receive the life of God. So we share in this bread of life, And we drink of His sacrifice As a sign of our bonds of grace Around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise To respond, - and to remember Our call to follow in the steps of Christ As His body here on earth. As we share in His suffering We proclaim Christ will come again! And we’ll join in the feast of heaven Around the table of the King
Janet Renner Loyd has been a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ most of her life. Her formal education includes a degree in education from the University of Arizona and also a degree in Bible & Theology from Moody Bible Institute. For more than thirty years, she has been involved in teaching and leading women’s Bible studies, retreats, and meetings…most notably Precept upon Precept and various studies that she has personally developed. Professionally, Jan recently retired from teaching language and writing to GED and adult ESOL students.
About her life, Jan says, “The most important thing about me is my relationship with my Father God through my Lord Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful to Him for His love, mercy, and grace to me and my family and friends...and the world.”
Jan has been happily married to John Loyd for more than forty years. They have two adult, married children and five lively young grandsons.
