Pastor's Ponderings
LET’S TALK ABOUT EASTER
What's the buzz about Easter? Haven’t you heard? Jesus is alive! This is a monumental event, a beacon of hope and joy. Jesus, after his crucifixion and burial, triumphantly rose from the dead. It's a testament to the power of God's love and mercy. In times of despair, God often presents us with new beginnings. Allow me to share a personal journey from hopelessness to gratitude.
It started with a phone call from a stranger. We agreed that the call was a mistake. But then, in talking, we decided to have a face-to-face visit. That led to a promise to visit her church. The church was much further than I would choose to drive for Sunday worship, but it was just one visit. I felt obligated to go. I gave my word. I took the drive.
The service was uplifting, and the preaching was inspiring. The associate minister delivered a powerful message that day. As the service neared its end, the minister quoted Romans 10:9-10, a verse that resonated deeply within me. “…if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart, and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and is saved.” It was as if a light had been switched on at that moment. This was the missing piece, the key to my faith.
I heard this message during a season when I was having a crisis of faith. I had a relationship with Jesus that began when I was a little girl. I practically lived in the church all of my life. Yet, I had been struggling with the certainty of knowing that I was saved. In my mind, evidence of salvation would be the Holy Spirit taking control of my body and sending me up and down the aisles in a praise dance of some sort. There were occasions where I felt emotional during a message in the preaching or singing, but nothing that would make me let go of my composure and cut loose in the church. Because I never had the assurance of my salvation, I did not believe I was saved.
This particular day, I finally understood. Salvation was not based on a feeling, being slain in the spirit, or even speaking in tongues. It was all about believing in Jesus Christ and accepting that he died for me.
It was not a coincidence that I received a phone call from a stranger who heard something in my voice and insisted that I visit her church. It was the grace of God at work.
Some people don’t know Jesus, doubt God’s existence, or lack a relationship with God. They could be our parents, children, siblings, neighbors, or friends. In the depths of their being, there is a longing to be connected with God and called His child. Whether they can articulate that or not. Easter is for them. Easter is for those who have lost their way. They have spiraled into hopelessness and taken up residence there. Easter is for people who remember when they were lost and are thankful to be found.
Church, let’s share the good news. People need to hear the Easter story. Somebody needs a new beginning. God is counting on you and me to be a witness to SOMEBODY about the good news of Jesus Christ. Jesus is alive! He is risen! Hallelujah!
Lifters Needed
Lifters play important roles in our society. In many households, the lifters are those able-bodied people who can manage toting boxes, haul groceries, move furniture, or climb a ladder to change a lightbulb. If you are an elder who lives alone, you appreciate those visits from younger people who will lend a helping hand. The skills of lifters have prevented many falls and injuries.
Here at the Clifton lifters are called on often. Recently, the heating and air system has required Clifton to hold worship services in the Fellowship Hall. The Fellowship Hall is also used for meetings, dinners, and other events. With each occasion, furniture is moved. We thank God for the lifters who ensure things are set up for each event.
God’s Kingdom work needs lifters. Not just to move furnishings but to teach, preach, assist, encourage, and witness. With the Holy Spirit's help, Lifters use their God-given gifts to lift Jesus. We need heavy lifters. Those who can handle complicated situations. Some people are rough around the edges, and if we are talking little people, it means being willing to get messy. The lifting required is not as much physical strength as love and dedication.
Jesus says he will take on the bulk of the lifting. If God’s people praise his name, speak his name, serve in his name, and intercede in his name, lives will be changed. In this world that offers many options, obtaining an authentic relationship with Christ is often overlooked. Lifters can bring Jesus to hearts and minds as the best option for a life of love, peace, and joy.
The Kingdom's work can be accomplished if every Christian steps forward, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower. People, young and old, will come to experience and know Jesus.
It is easy to think someone else will do this heavy lifting. But why not you? Why not me? The cries for hope today are a call for all hands on deck. There are people seeking hope. The children of God know what it is like to seek hope. We have been lost and found. God brought us through. Why not tell someone God is the answer to their situation? Even better, why not show them?
Lifters. That is what our society needs. Lifters, who will do the kingdom work so that Jesus becomes the name of every heart and home.
In John 12:32, Jesus said, And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
Blessings,
Pastor Candy
Love Is…
I remember reading the “Love Is” cartoons back in my youth. They were sweet little messages found in the local newspaper. There were sayings like,
Love is….
…a song in your heart
…wanting to give her the moon and the stars
…taking one day at a time
If I were to write love is notes, I would include the following:
Love is learning some basic rules in football so you can nod and shout at the television at the appropriate times.
Love is listening, even if you hear the story repeated over and over and over again.
Love is sitting through repeated showings of Frozen,
Love is overhearing your spouse rehearse a solo part and smiling on Sunday like you are hearing the song for the first time.
Love is being the first to say I am sorry.
The Apostle Paul had a little something to say about love. His thoughts are a challenge to many,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Then there is Jesus, who gives us a slightly different spin on love. Jesus says,
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:12-13
This world can use a lot more love, whether we offer love through kind gestures like giving hugs, cartoons, candies, and cards. Love like that can help brighten a dark day. However, pushing ourselves to be selfless and longsuffering and working towards holding and building one another up is fantastic. That kind of love can end wars and bring world peace. But the greatest act of love is modeled by Jesus, who loved us enough to die for us. I have come to realize love is more than actions. Love is a person, a Savior who calls us friends.
Pastor Candy
