He Lives!
(Recipe: Key Lime Cheesecake)
I heard a powerful sermon this morning regarding Passion Week. A vivid reminder of what our Lord went through – for us. I waw reminded that Jesus was human, just like you and me. He got tired. He got hungry. He laughed. He cried. And when it came to the brutal treatment he received before his burial, he felt pain. The question was asked, “Would I be willing to endure what Jesus did? How would I survive all the humiliation that Jesus went through? Could I undergo all the pain?” When I stop to think about it, the answer is most definitely “no”. Yet, Jesus did. Because of His great love for ME, Jesus endured it all.
As hard as Passion Week was for Jesus, I’m so thankful Sunday morning brought new life, new hope, and a new message! Jesus is alive!! And because He lives, I can live too.
My favorite Easter verse is found in Matthew 28:6 – “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”
One of my all-time favorite Easter hymns is “He Lives”. We don’t sing it much anymore, but I still get goose bumps when I hear it sung. We serve a LIVING Savior. Jesus is not dead. He is not still on the cross. He is not still buried. HE IS ALIVE! Hallelujah!
Perhaps you are familiar with this old song, “He Lives”. If you are, then sing these words in your heart. If you are not, meditate on the meaning of these words.
He Lives
I serve a risen Savior; 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 talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, 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 thru all the stormy blast;
the day of His appearing will come at last.
Chorus:
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.
Chorus:
The question I must ask you is this, “Does Jesus live within your heart today? Do you know your sins have been forgiven? Are you trusting in what he did for you at Calvary for your salvation, and not your own good works?” I pray Jesus is real to you today. Romans 10:13 reminds us that, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Call on Jesus today.
HAPPY EASTER!
Key Lime Cheesecake
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 eggs
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
2/3 cup key lime juice
Combine cookie or graham cracker crumbs with butter or margarine. Press into bottom and partially up sides of 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate.
In a large bowl, beat with an electric mixer the cream cheese, sugar, lime peel, and cornstarch until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending just until smooth. Add key lime juice with mixer on low. Finish mixing by hand. Do not overbeat, or cake will crack during baking. Pour batter into prepared crust.
Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until set. To minimize cracking, place a shallow pan half full of hot water on lower rack during baking.
Turn oven off, and let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes with the door open at least 4 inches. Remove from oven. Refrigerate cake overnight, and up to three days.
