GOD! WHERE ARE YOU!!
WHAT A WEEK! Are you exhausted? I am! First the senseless murder of innocent lives by someone who was overcome by hate and evil. The crash of two of the most dependable aircraft in our military, Black Hawk Helicopters, killing all nine soldiers on board. And last night, a restless night, filled with crazy weather! During the night, tornadoes ravaged the landscape of several States, including our own backyard, leaving death and destruction. WOW!! That is a lot - and in just five days!! Many of us want to look to the sky, and shout "GOD! WHERE ARE YOU!! " And you know what, it is totally ok to feel this way...just don't allow yourself to stay there. God created us just the way we are, emotions and all. He gives us emotions that allow us to process and get through various times in the journey of life. Some are full of fun, smiles, and laughter - "feel goods". But some emotions - such as anger, tears, and sadness - are often used to help us get through the negatives and frustrations of life. All of these emotions are simple "relief valves" for life. However, the key is to not stay there, but to keep living. So where is God in all of these terrible occurrences? Right in the middle of them, staying firm, holding on to us, even in the darkest of times, and never letting go. He cannot be moved. He is the solid rock. And most of all, He is the God of Love, unconditional Love. And we can find our solace in Him. I encourage you to do just that! He is always there too - good or bad - and always will be.
We are all working through our rollercoasters of emotions, attitudes, and even confusion. This morning I was with Boomer in our neighborhood and I saw Phil walking. I could see Phil's gentle, loving face twisted and wrinkled with distraught. You see, Phil is one of the Pastors at Covenant. Monday morning he was at the Church/School. He witnessed things that will haunt him for a long time. He actually was just inches, and a locked door, from becoming one of the victims. I have been praying for Phil all week, and will continue. He knew the victims. And the loss of the Lead Pastor's daughter made him think of his daughter. And it made me think of my daughter too. I shared with Phil that I had been praying, as has our Church Family, and wanted him to know we are here and will be for whatever he and the folks at Covenant may need. He was thankful and appreciative. But I still could see the weight of the World on his shoulders. So, I confessed to him, "Phil, there are no words I can say, but know I love you. I am and will be here for you." And I will. Sometimes that is all we can do...just be there.
This coming week is the biggest week in our Christian Faith! It is known as Holy Week. We will begin with our Palm Sunday Celebration on Sunday, go through the week, including a Good Friday Service on Friday evening at 6:30 and ending with a jubilant, triumphal Celebration of our Greatest Gift Ever - LIFE - because of EASTER!! (By the way, if we had a sunrise service on Easter Sunday morning at FCC, would you participate? Please let me know.)
This really is the most wonderful and the most important time of the year!! I hope that this is The Truth that you know and why. But just in case you need reminding...
God created the world. He created mankind in His image to have fellowship, a relationship, with Him. The rest of creation was for mankind to enjoy. Only one restriction...
Man violated the restriction, thus causing a separation between mankind and God. This violation is called "sin". And sin is anything that separates us from, or we put ahead of God.
God, who is perfect, cannot have a relationship with the imperfect, sinful, man. But God still loves, unconditionally, and as much as ever.
Mankind made sacrifices as an atonement to reconcile our relationship with God. And God accepted them. But man continues to sin...
So God decided to make the ultimate sacrifice to restore His relationship with his Creation - Mankind. He, Himself, became a man, Immanuel, "God with us", Jesus. He showed us how to live and especially love one another. But man still did not get it.
So Jesus became our sacrifice. He was beaten and slaughtered as our "sacrificial Lamb" by being killed on a cross. He paid our price with his blood - for our sins to be forgiven.
But, it gets even better. He was laid in a tomb. DEAD! A rock sealed the tomb from anyone tampering with the gravesite. Infact, the Roman ruler's seal was imprinted in wax that connected the rock and tomb. If anyone broke that seal, by moving the rock, they would be killed.
On the third day, the rock was rolled away, by the ultimate authority - God! And Jesus, our ultimate sacrifice walked out of the tomb, conquering death, and giving us life and direction.
But there is one hitch - Forgiveness of sin and a newness of Life - ultimate Life - with Jesus as our Lord, is a Gift from God our Father. And we, you and I, choose either to accept or reject this ultimate, incredible Gift.
It is that simple. And it is the choice that only you can make for yourself. So...
Have you accepted this gift? If so, you, like me, will be able to fully understand and celebrate this joyous Holiday. We get it.
If you haven't, I invite and encourage you to accept The Gift. All you have to do is to acknowledge to God our Father, what was mentioned about. Acknowledge that you realize you are a "sinner" and need forgiveness. You recognize Christ as your Saviour who died on the cross for your sins, and as your Lord, rose from the dead on the third day to give you eternal life, and life with meaning and purpose. Simply, talk with God and accept that gift. God is good. He is patient. And He truly loves us and loves us unconditionally. And He desires a personal relationship with each of us! (If you have any questions or need any help with this please let me know. I will be honored to help you!)
I invite you to join us on Sunday. I really hope to see you there. And remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie