I have two younger sisters, Linda and Nancy. At Easter every year, our mom would dress us up in our ruffly Easter dresses, shoes, purses, and of course, bonnets. Since I am the oldest of the three, my Easter clothes were usually brand new. My younger two sisters, on the other hand, had hand-me-downs, but they were “new to them.” This was especially true when it came to our Easter bonnets.
Read MoreOne line of the lyrics for “Got to Let It Go” by MercyMe draws a picture that is in keeping with Jan’s most recent post “Are You Guarding an Empty Tomb?”
“Stop taking flowers to the grave of the old you that died.”
Read MoreI have two younger sisters, Linda and Nancy. At Easter every year, our mom would dress us up in our ruffly Easter dresses, shoes, purses, and of course, bonnets. Since I am the oldest of the three, my Easter clothes were usually brand new. My younger two sisters, on the other hand, had hand-me-downs, but they were “new to them.” This was especially true when it came to our Easter bonnets.
Read MoreIt 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 MoreOne line of the lyrics for “Got to Let It Go” by MercyMe draws a picture that is in keeping with Jan’s most recent post “Are You Guarding an Empty Tomb?”
“Stop taking flowers to the grave of the old you that died.”
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 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 MoreI couldn’t resist posting this again. It was Easter 2012 when I first wrote these joy-filled thoughts. My “then 5 y.o. grandson” Evan is now 13 y.o. and might rather play this awesome song on his drums.
But JOY, no matter what!
Read MoreEaster isn't Easter unless it's Easter to YOU!
So declared a radio preacher early in Holy Week a few years ago. At first I said, "Yes!" Then I thought about it awhile and said, "Not really! Easter is Easter whether I get it or not."
What is Easter anyway? Easter is the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. He had conquered sin and death on the cross and then was raised, so that we could walk in newness of life. (cf. Romans 6:4)
Read MoreOne line of the lyrics for “Got to Let It Go” by MercyMe draws a picture that is in keeping with Jan’s most recent post “Are You Guarding an Empty Tomb?”
“Stop taking flowers to the grave of the old you that died.”
Read More
Thank you, my Lord Jesus Christ, for dying for ME! Thank you for taking my place on that Cross. Thank you for experiencing mysteriously the separation from God that my sin warranted.
"It is Finished!" What glorious words!
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 MoreLife, glorious life! How we take life for granted, until...
someone we love dies,
our health or safety is gravely threatened,
we realize our days are waning because of the years...
It is then that we value what we've had all along.
But there's a Life that we never need fear will diminish, be endangered, be lost...
In fact, this Life can grow in our experience even in this time-based, fearful, waning physical life.
What is this Life?
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 MoreLife, glorious life! How we take life for granted, until...
someone we love dies,
our health or safety is gravely threatened,
we realize our days are waning because of the years...
It is then that we value what we've had all along.
But there's a Life that we never need fear will diminish, be endangered, be lost...
In fact, this Life can grow in our experience even in this time-based, fearful, waning physical life.
What is this Life?
Read More
Christ is risen...He is risen indeed! He's alive and so are we! And so we celebrate the LIFE that Jesus rose to, and we rose with Him...glorious mystery! In keeping with the New Life that is portrayed by so many new and blooming things, "A Branch in the Vine" is also preparing to bloom into new life. We are getting a "facelift" thanks to my dear, generous, designer son Jeremy J. Loyd of Sparkbox and the creator of my blog.
To make things easier on him and to give this "branch" time to learn new things, we are taking a break from posting for a short time.
So just in case you, my dear fellow branches, would like some devotional material for your days, I have a couple suggestions:
First, I would like to suggest my "spiritual fathers" series. Here are the links that will take you to stories and quotes from some giants of the faith who have been very important in my life. You too may find encouragement there for your souls.
bread-for-my-souls-journey/ J. Henri Nouwen
abide-in-christ-in-faith-filled-surrender/ Andrew Murray
a-modern-day-prophet/ A.W. Tozer
abbas-child/ Brennan Manning
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Next, at the risk of appearing self-serving, I want to invite you to read my book, The With-ness of our God: Relationship in Every Dimension,...not because I wrote it but because it reveals a God who is intimately and securely united with us in every possible way.
If you are struggling to feel connected to the Lord, though you may know in your head you belong to Him, please consider this little volume. In it you will receive manna for your heart, not just your head. You will find not only simple, practical instruction, but also meditation, stories for application, questions for journaling and just pondering...and more.
Or maybe you aren't struggling but just want to go deeper...this is for you too. You can dive into the deep or stay on the surface...your choice.
Springtime also brings occasions for gifts, such as Mothers' and Fathers' Day, weddings, birthdays.
And the book is very accessible and affordable. You can purchase on online (see links). Locally, volumes can be purchased for a reasonable price at The Booksellers at Austen Landing and at BellHOP Cafe in Bellbrook. And I've priced the ebook at the lowest allowed, $3.99.
So please take a look and consider walking with us on this journey into The With-ness of our God: Relationship in Every Dimension.
And thank you for your grace!
Publisher website: www.janloyd.com
And a link to my blog page that has lots of goodies in addition to endorsements, pdf files, etc concerning the book.
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 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
A few weeks ago, I was getting ready to teach through a difficult passage of Scripture in my weekly ladies Bible study. I had asked the Lord to give me an easy time during the week while I was studying. Well, from my limited human perspective, just the opposite happened. Whatever could go "wrong," did just that! So by the end of the week, I was ready to "go over the edge!" That's when the precious Spirit of God said to my heart, "Abandon yourself to the lesson, and just let it flow!" So I did, and it did, by the grace of God!
dancing sillouettes
A few days later, my daughter posted the following on facebook after her zumba class at the gym:
I'm so stiff. In dance at University of Dayton I remember the instructor saying that true dancing came after learning the steps and just letting it flow. I don't think I've ever been able to do that in dance or life.
What would happen, dear friends, if we would abandon ourselves to the Risen, Indwelling Christ and just let Him flow? What would our dance be like? What would our life be like? If New Covenant living means, "God does it, therefore we do it," then our life could be God dances, so we dance!
May it ever be so, O our glorious Jesus...Dancer Par Excellence!
rise up
[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KX2-J6uS-o']
We have often asserted and we affirm it yet again That no fact in History is better attested than the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead It must not be denied by any who are willing to pay the slightest respect to the testimony to their fellow men. That Jesus, who died upon the cross and was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimethia, did literally rise again from the dead.
rise up!
This is a celebration We’re calling out to every nation to spread the word that Jesus is alive. We’re people of His Kingdom His resurrection is our Freedom For every heart, every tongue and every tribe. Woah, We will dance with the One That shines brighter than the sun Woah, We lift our eyes up and rise up. He will rise up! He’s alive He’s alive inside us We will rise up. We claim the victory, He won on Calvary Celebrate the King of Glory So rise up, People of the Lord rise up. We’re filled with Holy Fire Lifting His name is our desire and this we know His Spirit is in this place. Let nothing stand between us, We carry the love that has redeemed us. He is life abundantly given to us in grace. Woah, We will dance with the One That shines brighter than the sun. Woah, lift our eyes up and rise up. He will rise up! He’s alive He’s alive inside us We will rise up. We claim the victory, He won on Calvary Celebrate the King of Glory So rise up, People of the Lord rise up. Woah, We will dance with the One That shines brighter than the sun. Woah, lift our eyes up and rise up. He will rise up! He’s alive He’s alive inside us We will rise up. We claim the victory, He won on Calvary Celebrate the King of Glory So rise up, People of the Lord rise up. He will rise up ! He’s alive, he’s alive inside us. And we will rise up. We claim the victory, He won on Calvary Celebrate the King of Glory So rise up, People of the Lord rise up. People of the Lord rise up !
eggs in a basket
This Easter may you put all your eggs in one basket -- all your joys and fears, sadness and tears, in the one and only risen Lord. Happy Easter! Beth Loyd Filson 2013
It is God’s will that I should castOn Him my care each day;He also bids me not to castMy confidence away.
But oh, I am so foolishThat when taken unawares,I cast away my confidenceAnd carry all my cares. T. Baird*
When I was at the University of Arizona in the late 60's & early 70"s, the "Jesus movement" was in full swing. A song that we always sang during praise time at our Christian student meetings in those days was "He Lives". This song grabbed me! The concept of a living Christ who intimately related to me on a daily basis was just beginning to dawn on me. Look at the words to this glorious song:
I serve a risen Saviour He's in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always near.
Chorus: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me Along life's narrow way. He lives, He live, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading Thro' all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing Will come at last.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs To Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, The help of all who find, None other is so loving, So good and kind.
Brennan Manning has a phrase that I love...living in Present Risenness. In his precious book The Rabbi's Heartbeat, he says:
We are not cowed into timidity by death and life. Were we forced to rely on our own shabby resources we would be pitiful people indeed. But the awareness of Christ's present risenness persuades us that we are buoyed up and carried on by a life greater than our own.
The Christ within who is our hope of glory is not a matter of theological debate or philosophical speculation. He is not a hobby, a part-time project, a good theme for a book, or a last resort when all human effort fails. He is our life, the most real fact about us. He is the power and wisdom of God dwelling within us.
Even though the holiday we call Easter has passed, dear child of God, meditate on this glorious thought: The Resurrected Christ is alive in your world right now. The Living Christ lives in you today. And this same Lord Jesus Christ lives His resurrection life through you as you walk in Present Risenness...every day!
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:27
...you have died and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory. Col 3:3-4
...to those who are the called,...Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1Cor 1:24
Now enjoy this simple, sincere rendition of "HE LIVES"...
Music only:
*This was posted at Easter 2011 as Walking in Present Risenness
Easter isn't Easter unless it's Easter to YOU!
So declared a radiopreacher early in Holy Week. At first I said, "YES!"
Then I thought about it a while and said, "Not really...Easter is Easter whether I get it or not!" Now I'm rethinking the statement.
What is Easter anyway? I remember in my confirmation catechism class learning that...
Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox.
That explains when, but WHAT is Easter?
Easter is the day we celebrate when...
Jesus rose from the grave...
conquering sin and death on the Cross on our behalf...
so that we could walk in newness of life.
And that's the point, isn't it? Easter isn't about chocolate bunnies, chicks, coloring and hunting eggs, new clothes, Easter lilies and other spring flowers, and freshness. These are
all simply pictures...metaphors, if you will, of the real deal.
And the real deal is ZOE! LIFE! Jesus Himself said,
I came that they may have life[zoe, in Greek] and have it abundantly. John 10:10
How does zoe happen for you and me?
The eternal life of God is imparted as a gift to all who believe in His Son, the God-Man Jesus Christ. He is the One who paid the penalty for our sins, so that...
when Jesus died, my sinful self died with Him; when He was buried, I was buried with Him; when He rose from the dead, I rose with Him...a new creation in Christ.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Col 3:1-4
So Easter is Easter to me because the indwelling, resurrected Christ is my ZOE! Is He yours, dear friend?
Even as believers, though, if we are perfectly honest, we must admit that we don't always live from His indwelling, resurrected LIFE, do we?
Rather we often live as if our abilities and cleverness, our relationships (including our favorite social media), our jobs, our pet activities, and our possessions are the source of LIFE. But of course, when looked at that way, they aren't life at all, but rather false gods and dead works.
So back again to the statement:
Easter isn't Easter unless it's Easter to YOU!
May Easter BE Easter as we refocus on our glorious, Risen Lord who indwells all who believe.
Prayer: May every day be Easter, O Lord, because of Your abundant, indwelling, resurrection ZOE...thank you for the precious gift of Your glorious self. Amen!
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Verse 1 How can it be, the One who died, Has borne our sin through sacrifice To conquer every sting of death? Sing, sing hallelujah. For joy awakes as dawning light When Christ’s disciples lift their eyes. Alive He stands, their Friend and King; Christ, Christ He is risen. Chorus Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! Oh, sing hallelujah. Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed; Christ is risen, He is risen indeed. Verse 2 Where doubt and darkness once had been, They saw Him and their hearts believed. But blessed are those who have not seen, Yet, sing hallelujah. Once bound by fear now bold in faith, They preached the truth and power of grace. And pouring out their lives they gained Life, life everlasting. Verse 3 The power that raised Him from the grave Now works in us to powerfully save. He frees our hearts to live His grace; Go tell of His goodness. Bridge He’s alive, He’s alive! Heaven’s gates are opened wide. He’s alive, He’s alive! Now in heaven glorified. Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Ed Cash; © 2012 Gettymusic and Alletrop Music (BMI) (adm. by MusicServices.org)
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Bible Students:
Meditate on this marvelous passage. Enter in...and give thanks:
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11
*first posted Easter 2012
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.
