HE IS RISEN!HE IS RISEN INDEED!!
There ain't no grave, gonna hold this body down!!
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
DO WE REALLY BELIEVE IT??
A question - when we (who claim to be Christians) choose not to allow God to work in our lives when we are struggling, hurting, having relationship problems with our spouse, friend, or co-worker, need spiritual, mental, physical, or emotional healing, are weary and worn out, are feeling hopeless, or any other problem you can think of - isn't that a slap in God's face? Actually, if we proclaim that the God whom we serve can do all things, heal all hurts, restore all relationships, replace all heartache with joy, why do we not let him take it from us? Why do we keep hanging on to the stuff? Why do we think we have to be in control? Are we merely saying one thing and doing another? Is this thing called "faith" merely lip service? Is the God of the universe who spoke into being the very world in which we exist unable to help us?
I ask this question because we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Sunday. Yet I feel like many live under the shadow of Good Friday, stuck in a grave with a stone rolled over the entrance. We say we believe in resurrection, but do we really believe that new life is available, resurrected life?
I confess, it's probably my own frustration with many of the things that have occurred recently. But folks, Jesus has come into our world to give us new, joyful, abundant life. When we choose not to believe that and appropriate what he has done for us on the cross we are in essence saying, "God, I don't really believe you can do anything about my situation. This is too big for you. Besides, I don't want to go through what it takes for you to help me". Well, do we really think that Jesus wanted to go through the crucifixion and death on the cross, that he just couldn't wait to be whipped, and beaten, and spit upon, and mocked? Yet, because he loved us so much, he did it. And miracle upon miracle, death did not have the final say. He rose from the grave on the 3rd day just as he promised.
That same victory is available to all of us. But believing is more than empty words and empty proclamation. It is acting upon what we claim to believe and allowing God to go to work in the midst of what may seem to be even the worst of situations. There is power in the resurrection. There is power in the gospel. That power is available to us. Do we believe it???
I ask this question because we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Sunday. Yet I feel like many live under the shadow of Good Friday, stuck in a grave with a stone rolled over the entrance. We say we believe in resurrection, but do we really believe that new life is available, resurrected life?
I confess, it's probably my own frustration with many of the things that have occurred recently. But folks, Jesus has come into our world to give us new, joyful, abundant life. When we choose not to believe that and appropriate what he has done for us on the cross we are in essence saying, "God, I don't really believe you can do anything about my situation. This is too big for you. Besides, I don't want to go through what it takes for you to help me". Well, do we really think that Jesus wanted to go through the crucifixion and death on the cross, that he just couldn't wait to be whipped, and beaten, and spit upon, and mocked? Yet, because he loved us so much, he did it. And miracle upon miracle, death did not have the final say. He rose from the grave on the 3rd day just as he promised.
That same victory is available to all of us. But believing is more than empty words and empty proclamation. It is acting upon what we claim to believe and allowing God to go to work in the midst of what may seem to be even the worst of situations. There is power in the resurrection. There is power in the gospel. That power is available to us. Do we believe it???
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
AWESOME EASTER WEEKEND!!!
Wow! What a great Holy week and Easter weekend! Yes, it was busy but the Lord blessed the week and the activities that enabled us to focus on the true meaning of Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. You'll notice the handwashing that occurred during the Seder service, the kids reaching for the little ducks in the pool during the Saturday celebration, the youth who read scripture continuously (35 hours) in the sanctuary from Friday at 8 pm to 7 am on Sunday morning, and Craig leading the sunrise service early on Easter Sunday. Thanks to all who participated. It was absolutely wonderful. And the worship service on Sunday was filled with excitement as we celebrated the resurrected King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yes - JESUS - That's my King!!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
HOLY WEEK (WEAK)??
With regards to the Christian calendar, Easter is as good as it gets - the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul says, "Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting? But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ". Good stuff.
But here's the struggle. There is so much going on during Holy Week that by the time it gets to Easter, people can be so worn out that they hardly feel like celebrating. At least I'll speak for myself. After all, I spoke at the Lenten lunch at noon today, helped with God Squad tonight followed by a meeting. Tomorrow night is the Seder service and Friday night is the Good Friday service. Saturday morning is the children's Easter celebration at the church coinciding with the youth conducting a scripture reading vigil Friday night through early Sunday morning. And then of course is the big day - Easter Sunday which begins with a sunrise service followed by a breakfast in the fellowship hall at church. Sunday School will be at 9:45 with the big celebration taking place during worship at 11:00. There are some neat surprises planned during that time so I hope you can come if you are in the area.
I love all of the previously mentioned activities but boy, is it a busy time. The tendency can be to get so wrapped up in all the stuff that the stuff that matters most gets overlooked. I don't want to fall into that trap.
So, pray for me and I'll pray for you that we are ready for what God has in store for us during this most holy of weeks. HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
But here's the struggle. There is so much going on during Holy Week that by the time it gets to Easter, people can be so worn out that they hardly feel like celebrating. At least I'll speak for myself. After all, I spoke at the Lenten lunch at noon today, helped with God Squad tonight followed by a meeting. Tomorrow night is the Seder service and Friday night is the Good Friday service. Saturday morning is the children's Easter celebration at the church coinciding with the youth conducting a scripture reading vigil Friday night through early Sunday morning. And then of course is the big day - Easter Sunday which begins with a sunrise service followed by a breakfast in the fellowship hall at church. Sunday School will be at 9:45 with the big celebration taking place during worship at 11:00. There are some neat surprises planned during that time so I hope you can come if you are in the area.
I love all of the previously mentioned activities but boy, is it a busy time. The tendency can be to get so wrapped up in all the stuff that the stuff that matters most gets overlooked. I don't want to fall into that trap.
So, pray for me and I'll pray for you that we are ready for what God has in store for us during this most holy of weeks. HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)