Posted 4:16 PM by Luke
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom

This is an Easter I desperately needed. Throughout the day, I have felt weak from the overwhelming prescence of God. I have been able to truly worship Him today in a way I hadn't in weeks. Lately, the daily grind has taken over my consciousness. I have felt so anxious, so busy, so in a hurry to get things done. To do well in school, to put full effort into my writing class, because that is my emphasis. I've felt the need to take care of business for the semester before I can breath again, and it has taken its toll lately. So much of my worship the past few weeks has felt empty, as if I were just singing any other song, not worshipping my Lord. Instead, I have become more consumed than usual with post-thoughts (only a year away!), like what the heck am I going to do with my life? The peace I came into the semester with had all but faded until today.

Caleb and I awoke just before dawn to make our way to Capen Park with our new friend Elizabeth. We ascended the hill to the lookout point as the sun rose, albeit behind the clouds. A few songs of worship later, Pastor Burt reminded us of the real significance of this day (not Easter bunnies and egg hunts). He read from the Scripture about the women finding the empty tomb early the first Easter morning. "He is risen, just as he said," the angel told them. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" It's the foundation of my faith. Paul says in 1 Corinthians that if Christ is not resurrected, than we should be pitied more than all men. Why? Because death still has its victory. Without Christ conquering death, we have no hope for our own resurrection. He suffered, he died, and on the third day, he rose. It is a historical event. If you want to check it out, I recommend Lee Strobel's book, Case for Christ.

But Pastor Burt's emphasis didn't end there. He pointed out the angel's command - to go tell the eleven remaining disciples, and then everyone else. That command is ours today. We must not be silent with the good news about the answer to sin, which is man's greatest need. Without that, nothing else matters. The world must know.

I feel restored, and I hope not just for today. School is still here - 4 weeks to go. But can I finish strong, realizing that this is a step along the way in God's plan for me? If I am focused on God and and living in His will, it will all come together.

Musical fun-facts of the day: Soaking in the worship music today - first a praise compilation, then Derek Webb's (of Caedmon's Call) new cd. It's a great, folky, bluesy, rootsy album that really showcases his amazing songwriting. The lyrics are wonderful - sometimes biting, sometimes joyful, but always true. Now I am listening to Caedmon's album Long Line of Leavers.
Oh, and on the musical note, I bought my ticket to the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis Tenn., May 2-4. So unbelievably tight. It will include such bands as Wilco, Nickel Creek, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and John Mayer. Plus like 60 others. My mouth is watering as I write about it!