Reflections
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Where's Jesus?
Lk. 2: 42-49 Mary and Joseph had gone to Jerusalem for the annual Passover Festival and were returning home when, after about a day out, they discovered that Jesus, then about twelve years old, was nowhere to be found! Can't you just imagine their panic, their fright? "Where is Jesus?" "What's happened to him?"
Then, following His crucifixion and on the day after the Sabbath, the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices and found Him gone! Surely, they must have thought, "Where is Jesus?" "What's happened to Him?"
So, here we are, some two thousand years later; we celebrate the resurrection of this same Jesus, this Jesus who laid down His perfect life for us that, though Him, we can have eternal life with Him in Heaven. But, those same questions are still applicable today. "Where's Jesus?" "What's happened to Him?"
If we don't know where He is, it's most certainly because we have not allowed Him to be our Lord and Savior. As for "what happened to Him?", we failed to let Him "happen" to us! He hasn't gone anywhere; we're the ones who are not where we are supposed to be!
Here are six questions to consider:
"What have I done with Jesus?" "What have I let Him do with me?" You can't undo what's past; you can ask for forgiveness and repent. "What am I doing with Jesus?" "What am I letting Him do with me?" Are you living for Him, serving Him in whatever ways you can, are you seeking His will for your life?
"What am I going to do with Jesus?" "What am I going to let Him do with me?" You can commit yourself to serving God and allow Him to be Lord of your life!
These questions give rise to reflection, action and surrender. We reflect on what we did or didn't do in the past and resolve not to make the same mistakes again. We act now on the things we should do, serving God and others in His name. We surrender to His will daily that we may live more nearly the life He desires for us.
At Easter, our thoughts and emotions "run the gamut." We are profoundly saddened that Jesus suffered so much and in so many ways, and rightfully so, because it was for us that He gave His life. We cannot image His agony and shame. We may be in awe that He would do such a thing for "Who am I?" We are grateful for his sacrifice, for His unbounded love. And then, we experience joy and excitement because our Savior lives! We know where He is!
He is risen!
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The short stories, poems, and pictures in Reflections are to honor God and show gratitude for His blessings. This collection is also a source where inspiration and encouragement may be found.
Several months in the making and having been prepared and presented as devotions, Reflections brings together the author’s love of God and nature, his love of people, some of his travels and photography along with mention of some personal experiences and a bit of humor.
Each article or story in some way reveals God’s love for His people, His blessings, and the need for a personal relationship with God.
About the Author
Ron Carter is Co-Superintendent of Sunday School along with his wife, Mary at First Free Will Baptist Church in the Richmond, Virginia area. He is also chairman of the Board of Trustees for the church. Ron accepted this role after being convinced this was God’s will for him. One of his responsibilities is leading in an opening assembly each week which includes a devotion. Those devotions are what Reflections is all about. During his adult life, Ron has served as deacon at two former churches. In addition, he served on the administrative board for a Christian School, K-12, in one of them. He has served on and chaired other committees as well. Ron has had the honor and privilege, has experienced the responsibility of preparing and delivering messages for worship services on several occasions. This has given him great appreciation and respect for those who responded to God’s call to make this their life’s work. Ron grew up in rural, central Virginia, the only child at home during most of his childhood and youth. It was during a Summer revival at Salem Christian Church in Louisa County that he responded to the Holy Spirit and asked Jesus into his heart and life. About two weeks later, on a bright Sunday afternoon, Ron was the youngest of three generations in his family to be baptized in the South Anna River near his home. Ron is now retired, having sold an HVAC business he founded nearly forty years ago. He and his wife, Mary, also retired, love their church family, church activities and serving God in whatever ways they can. They love to travel and have met people from many parts of the country, many with whom they maintain contact and consider extended family. Some of Ron’s photography is an integral part of Reflections. Ron and Mary have five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They make their home in Glen Allen, Virginia.