One Man Paid It Forward For All
The artistic side of me loves this banner that hangs in our church each Easter. It draws me in to look at each piece that makes the whole. Last Saturday I took a picture of the banner for no particular reason other than I like it and thought that someday like everything else it will be gone and I will try to remember what it looked like hanging on the wall.
The heart side of me loves this banner because it speaks to me of one man’s sacrifice so very long ago for the lives of many. One of my favorite movies in the past has been Pay It Forward. A story of a boy that takes a school assignment to heart with a plan to change the world for the better. His plan was that if each person did something good for three people without expecting anything in return except that they would do something good for three other people, the world would be a better place.
In my eyes and heart the greatest Pay It Forward act was Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of all so that we could all have salvation and eternal life with Him if we confess our sins and believe in Him. The question has been asked before.Who do you love enough that you would lay down your life for them? I love my husband, children, family and friends. I would hope that if I were put in the difficult circumstance of protecting someone I love that I would be able to lay down my life to protect them but you never know until you are there.
In this Easter season I am once again reminded of His sacrifice for me and desire for a personal relationship with Him. I am not a seasonal Christian attending church only on holidays as some do but that doesn’t make me better than anyone else. I am there in church each Sunday as a reminder of His love for me and to spend time with others in this difficult journey we call life. The more I know about Jesus, the more I want to know.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
I am not a bible scholar or as knowledgable as I should be for someone who has been a Christian for nearly 35 years but I do know this, that whether my circumstances are good or bad, I have a peace that resides in me that allows me to wade through the most difficult days. I am not rich beyond measure in material things but all my needs are met daily. I am not without trouble but through Him I am able to make it through life’s trials.
Jesus paid it forward for all.
Flying Gma's Blog 
carldagostino
April 23, 2011 at 9:09 am
If you like the banner, you must visit site Jesus Art. Her ministry is to provide over 300 images.
flyinggma
April 23, 2011 at 9:11 am
Thanks for the heads up Carl. I will definitely visit her site.
Happy Easter to you , Jeanne
grightnow
April 23, 2011 at 9:31 am
Genious! Lovely art!
Just sharing ONE big smile:
http://grightnow.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/weekly-photo-challenge-one/
cheers
flyinggma
April 23, 2011 at 9:42 am
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a Big Smile!
Carol Ann Hoel
April 23, 2011 at 11:24 am
Beautiful testimony to His faithfulness, Jeanne. There is nothing more precious than His promises and knowing that He keeps them. Having our needs met is proof enough for me in this day that God is living and all powerful. Believers are blessed. It’s no wonder we wish to share our Savior with others. Jesus is awesome!
flyinggma
April 23, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Thanks Carol! I wish I were better at sharing my faith, more articulate. You do such a wonderful job of expressing your faith. Happy Easter to you and Johannes!
Carol Ann Hoel
April 23, 2011 at 5:34 pm
The expression of your faith was clear and moving, Jeanne. Blessings…
flyinggma
April 23, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Thanks Carol!
Booksphotographsandartwork
April 23, 2011 at 9:45 pm
So very very true and comforting. That is one of my favorite verses.
flyinggma
April 23, 2011 at 10:38 pm
One of my favorites as well!
nrhatch
April 24, 2011 at 11:20 am
Jeanne, you might be interested in this:
In The Third Jesus, Chopra explores Jesus’ original message, revealing a spiritual guide of profound depth and inspiration that speaks to anyone who believes in the importance of peace and love.
By turning fresh eyes on the New Testament and returning to the essentials of Jesus’ message, Chopra shows how the third Jesus can truly transform our lives—and humanity.
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/07/18/the-third-jesus/
Adrian Pantonial
April 26, 2011 at 12:30 pm
The film “Pay It Forward” is also one of my favorite movies of all time, Jeanne. It brought me to tears and really made me think of the way I live my life.
Jesus makes all things beautiful. Growing my relationship with Him through the years Him helps me have a meaningful life in good and tough times.
Stay blessed!
flyinggma
April 26, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Thanks for stopping by Adrian. Hope things are going well with your job.
I like to watch movies. read books or watch tv that makes me want to be a better person, to re-evaluate my life.
Blessings to you Adrian!