"Rabboni!"

Holy Week: “Rabboni!” 
                     

“Rabboni!” was Mary’s response when she realized it was her Friend, her Teacher, her Lord, who stood before her—ALIVE! 


In my previous Holy Week blog posts Jesus was joyously welcomed into Jerusalem; He shook things up at the Temple; He blessed children and healed afflicted; He taught about love; we saw the last supper, anguish in Gethsemane, and arrest; we witnessed His crucifixion and burial; now today, we see our risen King!


I hope you will read the accounts of the resurrection of Jesus from all four of the Gospel writers. In my book, The Lord has Need of YOU, I focused on John’s perspective, found in the twentieth chapter of the Gospel of John. 


I tell it like this:


Before the sun came up on the morning of the third day, Jesus’ friend, Mary Magdalene, went to His tomb. She was shocked to see that the stone had been rolled away, leaving the burial place wide open.


She ran and told Peter and John. They pushed into the tomb to find the Lord’s face cloth and linen burial cloth neatly folded. But there was no sign of Jesus’ body. Dragging their feet, the men left and went home.


Mary was left alone. She stood sobbing and looking into the tomb where her Lord had lain.


She could not stop the tears from flowing.


Something or someone was coming into focus. There before her were two bright shining angels—one at the head and the other at the foot, where the body of Jesus had been.


One spoke up and said, “Woman, why are you weeping?”


She replied, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”


She then turned and saw someone she thought was a gardener. The man spoke: “Why are you weeping? Who are you seeking?”

Still not recognizing Him, she said, “Sir, if you’ve taken Him away, please tell me.”

He looked her in the eye and said, “Mary!”

Then she knew! She knew that her friend—her Savior—was standing there—ALIVE!

Thrilled with surprise, she dropped to the ground at His feet and proclaimed, ‘Rabboni!’ which means teacher.

 

“Do not hold on to me for I have not yet ascended to My Father. Go and tell My brethren.”

Later that same day, as the disciples gathered together, Jesus appeared and stood among them. …

He showed them the wounds on His hands and feet and then said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”



He then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”



“Go into all the world and preach this Good News to everyone—that all who believe in Me will be saved.”



For several days Jesus appeared to many people throughout the city, so there were lots of people who knew for certain, Jesus was alive!

The big question today is this, “Is Jesus alive to you?” 


In these chaotic days we’re living in, we need life, hope, and peace. Jesus is the only One who can give these things, in a meaning and lasting way.

He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 ESV).  


Jesus is alive and I pray He’s alive you.

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Please read my blog post tomorrow and see the very last event to this day of our risen Lord on this earth.


At the beginning of this week I encouraged you to read, in your Bible, about the last days of Jesus’ life. A lot happened in those few days. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I’m posting a few highlights from those amazing days in history. Also, I’m using some of the pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU.* The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


Thank you for traveling with me through these extraordinary days. God bless you. 


Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

New Easter Book –

New Easter Book –

With Easter right around the corner, I hope you’ll take a look at my new book.


I like to call this special day “Resurrection Day.”

Whichever way you like it, are you looking for an Easter book—one that tells the true story of Resurrection Day? Would you like a book about the real reason the occasion is celebrated all around the world?

My latest book titled, The Lord Has Need of You, is just that. 

Though it is categorized a children’s book, many adults get it for themselves. They are enthralled by the beautiful art and love the way the story is shared through the eyes of two loveable donkeys.






Here are a few details:


- The exciting opening scene sets the stage for immediately getting acquainted with the characters and the nature of Jesus.

Jesus enters Jerusalem - Palm Sunday

- Next you walk through the last few days of Jesus’ life on Earth, beginning with His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday); He blesses children (one of my favorite pictures in the book), teaches and heals folks; you’ll witness His death, burial, and resurrection; it ends with His ascension back to Heaven.







- The donkeys’ involvement in Jesus entry into Jerusalem is truth, according to Scripture, but the rest of their involvement in The Lord Has Need of You is fictional. They play a delightful role in helping captivate the interest of children. (The mama donkey, Elpis, was the baby donkey in my previous children’s books about Jesus as an infant. Families who have those books will LOVE seeing Elpis’ colt carry Jesus!)

- The full color illustrations by Virginia artist, Lesley James, carry the story along beautifully.

- Redemption is illustrated in easy-to-understand terms.

- The Gospel is clearly stated.

- The epilogue offers encouragement to answer God’s call to serve and gives an opportunity to receive Salvation.

- The book is reasonably priced at just $10.00.

- A free crossword puzzle comes with each book ordered directly from me.

- Also, when ordering from me, (continental U.S. only), I’m happy to sign and personalize your copy if you wish. Just contact me at author@conniewohlford.com. Sales tax for Virginia orders will be added, and a nominal fee is added for shipping.

The book is also available on Amazon. Here’s the link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1687536104/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

My NEW BOOK Just in Time for Christmas

My NEW BOOK Just in Time for Christmas



Hot off the press is my new children’s book, The Lord has Need of YOU. 
Yes, its categorized for children, but many adults are getting it for themselves because they love the story and the art. 

Jesus enters Jerusalem - watercolor by Lesley James

Book description:

     Join in with donkeys, Elpis and Kavod, and experience the last days of Jesus’ life on earth prior to His ascension. Having known each other since childhood, Elpis and Jesus are reunited in a unique and unexpected way.

     Through the eyes of these loveable donkeys, The Lord Has Need of You shows the true Bible account of Jesus’ earthly life from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His ascension back to Heaven after rising from the dead. It includes many other occurrences during Holy Week and thereafter, depicting grace and restoration that results. Except for the donkeys’ participation in Jesus’ triumphal entry, they are not part of the true account of these events. The author has included them in the story to help captivate children’s attention as they learn about Jesus. 

     Walk alongside Elpis (meaning hope) and Kavod (meaning glory) and share in the joy of knowing Jesus on a personal level. Feel the sadness of His crucifixion. Then rejoice with the donkeys, the disciples, and others at the resurrection of the Jesus, the Messiah, bringing redemption and eternal life to the world. Stand amazed with His followers at the risen Lord as He ascends to Heaven, rejoicing at the promise of His eventual return.

     This telling of the most significant event thus far in history is carried along pictorially with the beautiful watercolor paintings of Virginia artist, Lesley James. Children and adults alike will be blessed by her art, by the story of Jesus, and by the personal challenge to step out in faith because the Lord has need of you. 

Jesus w- children -watercolor by Lesley James

I’m so thrilled with this book. For several years I have been anticipated its completion and release. I’ve received many wonderful comments from people who have gotten the book. The extraordinary illustrations are watercolor paintings by Virginia artist, Lesley James.


If you would like to order a signed, personalized copy, contact me via email, author@conniewohlford.com 
You may pay with credit card or PayPal. 

The cost is $10.00 each, plus shipping, (and sales tax in Virginia). It is also available on Amazon.

The Lord Has Need of YOU by Connie Wohlford

This book will add a touch of eternity to your Christmas, telling/showing the reason our Lord Jesus came to earth that night in Bethlehem. It’s a fantastic gift, stocking stuffer, or addition to a gift basket and would even be nice gift for your Sunday School teacher or Sunday School students. 


Thank you for checking it out. God bless you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

©Connie Wohlford 2019

Why are you crying? Twelve reasons – one solution.

Why are you crying?                                    

                     Twelve reasons – one solution.



Why are you crying? Is it because:

-      your child has become a prodigal, wondering far from God?

-      you’ve received a terrifying diagnosis for yourself or a loved-one?

-      you’re overwhelmed and exhausted with circumstances of life?

-      you or a loved one is struggling with addiction?

-      the chaos in your home is out of control?

-      frustrations of world events seem unresolvable?

-      of fear that lost loved-ones won’t receive Jesus’ salvation before it’s too late?

-      your child is leaving home and you’re concerned about snares and dangers that lurk in the unknown.

-      your spouse has fallen out of love with you?

-      your financial situation seems hopeless?

-      you’re pregnant, unmarried, and don’t know where to turn?

-      your friend has betrayed you?

—just to name a few reasons.  

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You’ve heard about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But, do you remember His first recorded words after being quickened back to life?



Mary Magdalene was the first to encounter the risen Christ. She had found His tomb empty and began to cry, for she didn’t know who had taken Him nor where they had laid Him. Bewildered and with tear filled eyes, she turned to go, when there, standing before her, was Jesus. But she didn’t recognize Him. 


He said, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15).

She still didn’t realize it was beloved teacher and friend.


Then He spoke her name, “Mary.”


Instantly, she knew Him. There He stood, alive and well. Her grief, anxiety, and tears turned to joy, peace, and hope. He was right there and concerned about her tears. And He had a plan. 

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What are the things that make you cry? What causes tears to well up in your eyes? What thoughts cause some degree of anxiety to prick your soul?



Easter is approaching. Our celebration of Resurrection Day will soon be here. 


Let’s allow the truth and hope of Christ’s resurrection redeem our emotions from the downward pull of those things which bring us to tears.


He is risen! He has come to set the captives free. He is here and He has a plan.

For His followers, the resurrection of Jesus trumpets authentic truth. The sting of death has been eradicated and the grave will not hold us. And there’s more. In addition to eternal life, joy and hope are resurrected in us as well.


“Women, man, why are you crying? Whom are you seeking?”


When you come face with the risen Christ you have found the One you’re looking for whether you recognize Him or not. Listen. He’s calling your name—my name. He has come to resurrect life and joy. He’s right here.

Tell Him why you’re weeping—why you soul is vexed. He has come that you (we) may have life and have it in abundance (John 10:10). 


True story: Just a few days ago, I spoke with a woman who poured out her heart, with tears streaming. Her husband was chronically ill. She feared for the life and well-being of her alcoholic son. Her eight-and-a-half-month pregnant granddaughter, a drug addict, was in jail. My goodness! We can understand her tears. Any one of those situations could provoke weeping. 


This troubled woman was asking for prayer, turning to God for answers. She was seeking the right person. Only God has the answers to all her concerns and she is trusting Him to resurrect life in her loved-ones, as well as hope and peace in her own soul. 


Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).


God created tears as a means of releasing emotion. But He doesn’t want our tears of sadness and fear to be the end point of our trials. 


Jesus gave His life so we may have life, both now and into Eternity. He’s alive—resurrected from the grave. Abundant life comes when we cast our cares on Him, confident He hears us and, when we do things His way, will work things out for our good (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-9; Romans 8:28).

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When we focus on Jesus and God’s Word our worries and fears tend to fade away. Jesus wants us to trust Him.   


As we enter the Easter season, and beyond, let’s remember Jesus’ question, “Why are you weeping?” 


When anxiety of any kind arises, lets tell Him about it because He cares. He loves us with unfailing love; He has the right answers; and He has a plan.


So, Rejoice! And be mindful of these truths during this season and all of your days. 


Thank you for reading my blog post today. Think of a time when God has helped you move from weeping to peace. Feel free to share your experience below if you’d like. Your comments are welcome. 


©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

After Easter Musings - Part 2

After Easter Musings - Part 2

For the past few weeks I’ve been revisiting some of the details surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. For the past few days my focus has been Matthew 27:45-54.

My blog post last week looked at some of Jesus’ last words. Today, I want to look at two amazing events relating to Jesus’ death and rising back to life. One of which is one of the least talked about miracles of the New Testament.

We’ll begin with Matthew 27:51: “Then behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”

At the moment of Jesus’ death the veil of the Temple tore in two from top to bottom. This event was of monumental significance!

The veil was a massive curtain—a barrier between sinful man and holy God. It was four inches thick and sixty feet high. Behind the veil was the Holy of Holies where the presence of God dwelled. 

Once a year the high priest would go behind the veil to offer a sacrifice of the blood of a spotless lamb to atone for the sins of himself and the people (Hebrew 9:7).

Now on this day, which we call Good Friday, Jesus was the Lamb. His blood atoned for our sins once and for all. God received the blood of His Son and offered forgiveness for all our sins. It’s up to each of us to accept His offer. We have free will.

Jesus paid our debt in full once and for all.

At that moment God Himself tore the temple veil from top to bottom. No human could have done that. The Holy of Holies was now exposed and our Heavenly Father was accessible to all who will receive His Son. Jesus made the way.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body ... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

God tore the Temple Veil (Internet image)

The next verse tells of an event which is a phenomenon, rarely mentioned by preachers and teachers. In fact this past Sunday, a few days after I wrote this post, my pastor actually included it in his sermon. I was thrilled. I’ve sat in many a church pew and have done many a Bible study and this was the first time I’ve ever heard someone talk about this verse from a pulpit or lectern. 

Verses 52-53 says, “and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”

Who were these people? We’re told they are saints. Some translations say they were righteous people. For this, I’m going to yield the floor to my pastor, Hal Adams, and provide a link to his sermon from last Sunday. He covers this much better than I had planned to do.

But first, I want to add one last verse because I love it so much and it is very telling. Verse 54 says, “So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was this Son of God!’”

AMEN!

Below is the link to Pastor Hal’s sermon last Sunday. The video is pretty lengthy so if you don’t have time for the entire thing (which I hope you do) the part about verses 52-53 is at about the 50 minute mark. Please be bless as you watch and listen.

https://www.facebook.com/RadfordWorshipCenter/videos/vb.111364652230041/1511566532209839/?type=2&theater

Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2017 Connie Wohlford