"He Is Risen From the Dead"--David Lewis

David Lewis, affectionately known to me as "Pap", has been a friend and mentor for many years. His shepherding heart and loving care have helped me navigate many roads over the last 24 years. There are few people in this world I love more than David. I can't imagine anyone better to close this series with a word of pure HOPE about the resurrection power we have in Jesus. David constantly reminds me that God has placed Eternity in my heart. He always reminds me of how much God loves me. I pray you feel His deep love for you today! Thank you, Pap!

I read a little story about a famous painting that once hung in an art gallery in Europe.  It's a depiction of Faust (that fictional character that sold his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures) playing chess with the devil.  In the painting, the devil has Faust checkmated and is claiming his soul in victory.  Over the years people looked at this painting and felt a certain identification with it. They would go away and feel like the artist had captured their own hopeless situation when it came to death.  One day a great chess master stood looking at the painting, studying the game board for a long time.  Finally he disturbed everyone in the gallery by stepping back and shouting at the top of his voice, "It's a lie!  The painting is wrong!  The knight and the king have another move!"

 I make no claim to be a great chess player, but I do know what it means to be checkmated and there are times when I have felt this way about death.  What about you?  The empty tomb still shouts, "It's a lie!  The Knight and King have another move!” 

Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, “He is risen from the dead.”  Matt. 28:7         

On this Sunday, “I wish for each of you Easter eyes, able to perceive in death, life; in guilt, forgiveness; in separation, unity; in wounds, glory; in the human, God.”  (Bishop Klaus Hermmerle of Aachen)

David Lewis is the Director of The Haven in Keller, Texas. Please visit his website at http://thegentlehealer.org/ or follow his blog at http://themannaman.wordpress.com/ . You can also follow him on Twitter at @DavidKLewis.

Some of you have seen this but I saved it and wanted to share it with you guys on Easter. Love this! This song was comissioned for SBC Houston. One of the things I love most about this is the pure joy on so many of the faces you'll see. What a great testimony! Happy Easter, everyone!

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song."- Pope John Paul II

New Blog Links

Hi friends! I wanted to draw your attention to several new-ish links on my blog. I have listed these over on the right hand side under my favorite links.

I know many of you have enjoyed connecting to Jeff Schulte's blog. Jeff was the founding pastor of Fellowship Bible Church here in Nashville and now lives in Alaska working with Chip Dodd. (I'm a big Chip Dodd fan!) Jeff has been a great friend to me this year. I love that guy's spirit. Jeff Schulte--"Where Am I?"

David Lewis is another friend whose blog will be a big source of encouragement. I wrote about him a week or so ago. Dear friend, second father. Love him. David Lewis--Manna Man

This week I have added 3 new links...

Nika Maples--Nika and I have been friends since college days. The only word for Nika is extraordinary. She is a survivor...living through health crises that doctors said would kill her. She is hilarious. She is one of Sheryl's and my all time favorite people. She was named teacher of the year in Texas...in the huge state of Texas...teacher of the year. That tells you something. Read her blog and you'll see what I mean. Nika Maples-- "Twelve Clean Pages"

Kurt Willems-- Kurt describes himself as a Mennonite Brethren church planting pastor, Seminarian, Blogger-Writer, Amateur Activist, Green Shopper, Dog Lover, and Husband. He is a new friend and dedicated follower of Jesus. Love his style. We're also encouraging each other through some Lent experiences. Kurt Willems-The Pangea Blog

Rachel Held Evans-- Rachel is an author, speaker and blogger. She is awesome! You'll love her stuff. Check her out... Rachel Held Evans