The Pasion of the Christ

I awoke Easter Morning at 4 AM, It was dark and overcast here in Northern Michigan. I let the dogs out and went down to the rec room and searched for my copy of the Passion of the Christ. Went back up stairs let the dogs back in settled into my recliner wrapped up in a cuddle blanket and was immediately in the Garden of Gethsemane. The house was quiet like a tomb, It was dark and tears fell as they abused our Savior.

Tears, Gratitude and love. What Jesus offers to us all. But then again these things are offered but what is required of us?

Mathew 7: 15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21"Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Revelations 3: 14 These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, `I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

To many People who call themselves Christian feel they only need to Love and be good, They discard the requirements of Salvation and of works in the name of Jesus for our Father out of Love and Obedience.

Fear God, Means just that, Fear God. And in Reverence, Love, Obedience and Respect we serve him. Adonai Our God.

As the sky lightened I noticed it was the color of dirty water, Kind of depressing, and as I thought about the Worships in Preparation for Easter, Maundy Thursday, The Easter Vigil, The Saturday night service and Easter, My heart lightened, God is near, God is here, His Spirit is everywhere.

May God Bless You
Rick