Grief Turned to Joy

Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. John 16:20 

Jesus was preparing His disciples for His resurrection. Their grief at His death would become a joyous time when they found the empty tomb. He was NOT there! Can you imagine the joy they had when they actually saw Him after His resurrection? Will we experience that joy when we enter Heaven? Joy to see Jesus face to face—joy to see our family and friends who have entered the Heavenly peace before us—maybe the joy we experience if we are all raptured together?! Joy. It was some women who first saw Jesus. At the tomb…The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Matthew 28:5-9. Joyful worship. Are you filled with joy as you worship Jesus? 

RSVP: Jesus is offering you joy. Can you rejoice that He is the risen Savior. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Psalms 119:111. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is that joyful time of the year when asparagus is in season. Here is an asparagus dish that you can serve at any meal. 

Asparagus and Egg Casserole  Adapted from Northwest Fresh Yakima Junior League.

1 pound fresh asparagus

4 Tbsp olive oil

4 Tbsp flour

1 cup milk

1 cup chicken broth

½ tsp dry mustard

1 Tbsp chopped onion

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Dash white pepper

6 hard cooked eggs, sliced

6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated.

Lightly steam asparagus. Set aside. Make a roux with the olive oil and flour, stirring 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat. Then add dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and onion and stir for a couple of more minutes. Slowly add milk and then chicken broth, stirring constantly until thick and smooth. 

Layer half of asparagus and eggs in casserole. Top with another layer of asparagus and eggs. Pour sauce over all. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Enjoy with sliced ham and toast.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.