This week marks one of the most significant weeks in the lives of Christians across the world, hence the reason why it is celebrated as Holy Week.  It will conclude on Easter Sunday as we rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If we would allow ourselves to focus on what was accomplished by the crucifixion of our Savior on that cross, we would understand beyond a shadow of a doubt that Golgotha’s hill was not just the site of a horrific event, but it was indeed Calvary.  The only place where one life was given for the lives of all mankind.  Everything that we have faced, are facing, and will face in the near and distant future has already been resolved and won by this one selfless act of our Savior!  If He had never performed one miracle or preached one message during His 33 years on earth, His death on the cross for our salvation and abundant life in Him irrefutably proved His love.

Many of you are aware that in the Spring of every year I host a women’s retreat that is open to women not only in Ohio and surrounding areas but to women across the U.S. and abroad.  Over the past seven years women have literally gathered from far and near to be revived, restored, find direction for their lives, and many have given their lives to the Lord.  This year marks the eighth annual retreat and the 10^th year of our ministry, Esther’s Academy!    To God be the glory for the things He has done! 

In my time of meditation prior to writing to you, God called my attention to the set timing of this retreat as well as the theme He gave me nearly one year ago.  Our theme this year is BEYOND THE GATES (“Your New Horizon”), with the scripture reference found in Isaiah 62: 10, 11 (NIV).  The Lord showed me that it is not coincidental that the retreat falls between Easter and Pentecost Sunday.  Two of the most celebrated holidays on the Jewish and Christian calendars.

When we think about a “gate” it is synonymous with power and authority.  Just the visual of a gate structure brings to mind a representation of a device that can keep something out or usher something in.  Have you ever observed farm animals that are kept behind a gate or fence that doesn’t seem to be very sturdy or is low enough for them to take a running leap and jump over?  Or I’ve even noticed a gate that seems to be so flimsy that one push would knock it down, releasing the animal to its freedom.  I believe this to be true oftentimes for us.  The enemy sets up gates, whether they be visible, mental, or spiritual and they prohibit us from moving forward into the destiny God has prepared for us.   But it would only take our belief and faith in God to literally walk through, press through or even jump over that which gives the appearance of power to hold us back!  Now is the set time for us to move beyond the gates of fear, mediocrity, past sins, hurts, sicknesses, and devastations.  There is a new horizon that has your name on it!

It is high time that you relabel your gate!  If your gate is labeled fear, then relabel it freedom!  If your gate is mediocrity, then relabel it magnificence! If your gate is labeled sin, then relabel it salvation!   If your gate is labeled hurt, then relabel it healed . . .!!!!    We must not let the inhumane crucifixion of our Savior on that cross be in vain!  His death had a purpose, and that purpose was to give you life!  He was so mindful of us that He did not stop there.  Fifty days after His resurrection He descended upon the Apostles with the gift of His Holy Spirit.  That gift was not just reserved for them but it is a gift that is free to all.  Jesus paid the ultimate price that we could freely benefit with a life of redemption, salvation, and blessing!

I would like to personally extend an invitation for you to be my guest at our eighth annual Esther’s Academy Retreat in Columbus, Ohio, May 1 – 3, 2015.  We will have dynamic, powerfully anointed speakers who will be ministering throughout this three day life changing gathering!  On Friday night for the first time ever, we will feature a full length musical production entitled “Judge Me Not” (The Mary Magdalene Story).  The production is open to the general public, while all other segments of the Retreat are for ladies only!  This is a weekend you will not want to miss!  For complete details please visit www.doitgodsway.com/ea.   You can register online as well as purchase tickets for Friday’s production.

May God bless you and your family during this beautiful Easter season!