This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14  (NIV)

Easter was last Sunday, but we are still in the middle of the Easter season of the church. Easter denotes various things to us. It can mean the beginning of Spring time with the blooming of eye-catching dogwood trees and tulips. It may make us think of baskets filled with multicolored eggs, sweet treats and chocolate Easter bunnies.

Of course we all know the Christian meaning of Easter is to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday after He was crucified for us on Friday. That resurrection makes it possible for us to live with Him for eternity.

Jesus Christ has called us all to a resurrection life with Him. He wants us to embrace a new, more fruitful way of living. We have to identify HOW to make our life more pleasing to God and more joyful for us.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4  (NIV)

God desires for all of us to RISE! How do we discover our resurrection life? What do we do routinely that gives us a feeling of joy…of excellence? Let’s identify those opportunities where we feel our very best…as if God were directing our steps.

 It could be when we see the results of our words or actions as they affect an ongoing project for the better. We just know in our heart that what we did…or said made a difference!

It may be when we attain a new level in our physical, mental or scholastic progress. Just ask a new college graduate or a recent marathon competitor if their accomplishment makes them feel as though they can conquer the world.

Like everything it life, God doesn’t just hand THE RESURRECTION LIFE to us! It comes from lots of practice, repetition, and often-time failures. But how sweet it is when we finally get it right!

It may be when we build someone up with our encouragement. That’s what Christ commands us to do and I think He was really on to something! Don’t we get a real sense of joy and accomplishment when we make a point of helping someone else on their journey? Especially if we don’t seek any credit for it!

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:24  (NIV)

Let’s look for ways that we can RISE in our daily lives. We may not be graduating OR competing in an athletic competition…but we can still rise above ourselves by striving to obtain a worthy goal or feel excitement in helping someone else achieve theirs.

How do we impact the lives of those around us? God asks us to strive to make others’ lives easier and more productive for His kingdom. We can live a resurrection life by assisting others in achieving their own God-given dreams.

My disabled life does not give me a free pass either. I may not be able to physically help, but I can offer a listening ear or use my wisdom or influence to put others in touch with those who can make a difference. Most importantly, I can bring my prayers for others to the Lord who heals and restores!

I say this knowing that I fall short in this area many times. Now that I’ve written it down in a blog, I’m committed to help others find their resurrection life. In doing so, I’ll be rising in my own daily life.

We give glory to God by simply stepping outside the norm and giving Him the credit for our words and actions. Let’s not think about what others say or think….but keep our minds set on living the Lord’s will for our lives. Let’s all make a concerted effort to rise to meet our Lord’s expectation in how we live our life.

Dear Lord,

As we continue our celebration of Easter, help us to live our very own resurrection life as we look to all You have done for us through Your death and resurrection.

Remind us that Your resurrection was not possible without the pain and agony of the cross. As we attempt a new and restored life in You, there will be difficulty…maybe even rejection or isolation.

Help us to keep our eyes on You to show us the choicest and the finest actions and motives for our lives.

SHOW US HOW WE CAN RISE!

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Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Romans 6:4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.