Good Friday

"The goal of grace is to create a love 

relationship between God and us who

believe, the kind of relationship for

which we were first made."

-JI Packer

At the dedication of the temple Solomon built for the Lord, God's response to Solomon's prayer of dedication and commitment to walk in His ways is:

"I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for 

myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens, so

that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land

or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by 

my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and

turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and

will forgive their sins and will heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:12-14

Yesterday my daughter asked me if anyone knew how this pandemic began and if the enemy was responsible or if God sent it. I cautiously considered my response, as she, like most, are extremely fragile at this time. I explained that while our scientists and leaders do not know the exact specifics, and while satan is behind evil, that God is here in the midst of it. I realize in my heart that this is a wake up call, but my trust, faith, and hope is in my Lord. Prior to this and even now our leaders criticize each other publicly and disrespectfully without regard for authority. Our children see and hear and will imitate what they learn from parents and other authority figures, to include the church, the body of Christ. 

In 1 Timothy  2:1-4 Paul instructs Timothy on worship by beginning:

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession,

and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those

in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all 

godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

These words should be seriously considered and obeyed for the sake of all in obedience to God. In remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for us over 2,000 years ago on a Friday, consider these reminders from author Max Lucado and scripture:

"The cross did what man could not do. It granted us the right

to talk with, love, and even live with God."

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

God did this that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him

and find him, though he is not far from each of us.

Acts 17:27 

"The cross did what sacrificial lambs could not do. It

erased our sins, not for a year, but for eternity."

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

"The next time that obnoxious neighbor Doubt walks in, escort 

him out. Out to the hill. Out to Calvary. Out to the cross where, with

holy blood, the hand that carried the flames wrote the promise, 'God

would give up his only son before he'd give up on you.'" 
Six Hours One Friday

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten son, that whoever believes in him
will have eternal life.
John 3:16 

As I reflect on all the good that is happening at this time, I feel that it is sad that it took a crisis for us to reach out together in love, as a community, as a church, as a nation and world to share our support, faith and hope. Families spending time together - talking, playing, laughing, loving, getting to really know each other. More support and help for those in financial needs, more leniency from creditors, free concerts online, worshiping in mass on social media with the ability to see friends and family whom we've not see in years face to face. Saying the words, "I love you."

Tonight more people will flock to services online for Good Friday, and on Sunday even more will gather to worship our Risen Lord together online. Many will find hope and dedicate their lives in service to our Lord and Savior for the first time or others to recommit their lives to Him. He is waiting...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you

hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and

I will listen to you. You will seek me and pray to me, and I will listen

to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your

heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you

from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares

the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I 

carried you into exile."

Jeremiah 29:11-14