We have been working on creating a backyard bird sanctuary. First, we hung several blue bird houses along our fence. Next, we put out a bird feeder. Last we hung a bird bath. We quickly gained a family of blue birds. After a busy day we can sit back there and find peace. A place we can get back to a simpler life.

From the Merriam-Webster dictionary sanctuary can mean the following: 

· Holy or sacred place

· Building or room for religious worship

· A place that provides safety or protection

· A wildlife sanctuary

· Protection from a difficult situation that is provided by a safe place

From Psalm 32:7 NIV sanctuary can mean the following:

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance”

In this song, Sanctuary by Abby Robertson sanctuary can mean the following:

A place to find rest and strength from God’s love. Some of the lyrics sing; “When waters rise around me, you are my sanctuary”. 

From this picture of our mommy and daddy blue birds we can be reminded of how God protects us and takes care of us. This simpler life is an example to slow down. To find joy and gratitude in the tiny details. 

Where is your sanctuary? Where do you run to first when you need to rest in God’s presence? If you cannot answer this question, I encourage you to create a space. I would love to read about your sanctuary in comments.

Jesus was given a written title for His charge against him before he hung on the cross for our sins. In Matthew 27:37 NIV it was “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”. In Mark 15:26 NIV it was “The King of the Jews”. In Luke 23:38 NIV it was “This is the King of the Jews”. In John 19:19 NIV it was “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. His title was on trial that day.

Jesus could have easily come down from the cross to prove it all. He was mocked to do so in Matthew 27:42 NIV; “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.” In order for us to testify and truly believe His title, the scripture had to be fulfilled. In John 19:35 NIV, the soldier that pierced his side after death testified to His title; “The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.”

Our sins were nailed to the cross that day. Once we have asked Jesus to live in our hearts and forgive us of our sins, it is our job to declare and share our new titles. In Romans 10:9 NIV; “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” What titles do we share? We are children of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted. How often do we sacrifice our titles because of indiscipline, pride, and hate. We let our sins come down from the cross instead of keeping them nailed below our title. We must daily nail our sins to the cross. In doing so we can find our Easter hallelujah.

I encourage you to not only listen to but watch the video to this song, “An Easter Hallelujah” https://youtu.be/k6PKpywdaLM